It was out now, and Mrs. Middleton was at bay.
There is no such person,” she said. “The boy you refer to is dead.”
“What proof have you of his decease?”
“I have the sworn statement of the man who saw him die.”
“And this man’s name?”
“Is Rudolph Rugg.”
“I thought so. Mr. Rugg swore falsely. He is ready to contradict his former statement.”
“He has been tampered with!” exclaimed Mrs. Middleton, pale with passion.
That may be,” said the lawyer; but he added, significantly: “Not by us.”
“The boy is an impostor,” said Mrs. Middleton, hotly. “I will not surrender the estate.”