"Not beyond a doubt. I was troubled, and busy. It was one of my factory hands; I think it was the man Brooks."
"Mr. Clerk," says O'Meara, turning suddenly to that functionary, "please take down Mr. Lamotte's statements. He is not sure that it was the man Brooks."
Mr. Lamotte looks disconcerted for a moment.
But O'Meara goes vigorously on, leaving him no time to collect his thoughts.
"Now, Mr. Lamotte, what do you know of this woman who calls herself Nance Burrill?"
"Nothing," with a glance of offended dignity.
"Nothing! I am told that she has worked in your mills."
"It is possible; I am not my own overseer, however, and do not know all my people."
"Have you ever heard that this woman could tell things that would not reflect credit upon your dead son-in-law?"
"No, sir," haughtily.