"There is nothing to connect me with the matter. According to your letter it was a Thomas Butler who received the money you refer to."
"True, and your name at that time was Thomas Butler."
Mr. Browning turned livid. The net seemed to be closing about him.
"What proof have you of this ridiculous assertion?" he demanded.
"The testimony of one who knew you then and now—Mr. King, who keeps a cigar stand at the Prairie Hotel."
"Ha! traitor!" ejaculated Browning, apostrophizing the absent King.
"This is a conspiracy!" he said. "King has put you up to this. He is a discreditable tramp whom I befriended when in dire need. This is my reward for it."
"I have nothing to do with that, Mr. Browning. Mr. King is ready to help me with his testimony. My lawyer has advised me to call upon you, and to say this: If you will pay over the ten thousand dollars with interest I will engage in my mother's name to keep the matter from getting before the public."
"And if I don't agree to this?"
"Mr. Jordan is instructed to bring suit against you."