"It's a lie!" ejaculated Paul Morton, hoarsely. "He has told an atrocious falsehood!"
But, though he spoke thus, his face became livid and the truth was patent in his look.
"Can this be true?" demanded Major Woodley, shocked and startled, "What motive could Mr. Morton have for conniving at such a crime? How would the boy's death benefit him?"
"Read his father's will, and you will know," said Cromwell. "At the boy's death the whole property goes to Mr. Morton."
"Is this true, Mr. Morton?" said Major Woodley, sternly.
"So much is true, but the other is a base lie," said the merchant.
"I could wish it were so. What evidence can you give of the truth of your statement? Have you the offer in writing?"
"No, he was too careful to write it, but he hinted at it in terms which only I could understand."
"He is a miserable liar," said the merchant.
"I can hardly believe him capable of such atrocity."