“I wish I could believe it,” said Ralph. “I wish I could believe that I was not deliberately swindled by one who professed to be my father's friend.”
“On what authority do you bring this monstrous charge?” demanded Mr. Stanton, more boldly. “How happens it that you have not made it before?”
“For the simple reason that I myself did not suspect any fraud. I presumed that it was as you stated to me, and that your only fault was your injudicious investment.”
“Well, I admit that, as it turned out, the investment was injudicious. Everything else I deny.”
“Your denial is vain.”
“You cannot prove the truth of what you say.”
“So you fall back on that? But you are mistaken. I can prove the truth of what I say,” said Ralph firmly.
“How?”
“Do you remember a man named David Marston?”
“He is dead,” said Mr. Stanton, hastily.