“I will give you an account of the affair so far as I understand it,” said Gilbert. “Fortunately, I have a witness who is able to confirm my words.”
Gilbert’s statement need not be repeated, as the facts are already known to us.
“So you expect us to believe the testimony of this boot-black.” said Mrs. Briggs, scornfully,—“a highly respectable witness indeed.”
“I suppose a boot-black may speak the truth, madam,” said Gilbert.
“I dare say he would say whatever he was instructed to say for twenty-five cents, perhaps less.”
“You are determined to believe me guilty, Mrs. Briggs,” said Gilbert, quietly, betraying no anger; “I expected it, for I knew you are prejudiced against me.”
“I certainly don’t believe the very extraordinary story you have told us,” retorted the lady. “You charge a book-keeper, of high standing, with entering into a conspiracy against you. It is absurd upon its face.”
“How do you know the book-keeper is of high standing?” asked Mr. Briggs.
“Because Mr. Sands would not have any other.”
“Gilbert has the same guaranty of high standing,” said her husband, smiling. “He has been employed by Mr. Sands.”