“Maxwell acquired a fortune from some source, but I’ve always had a doubt that it came from the hotel business.”
“Why is he suing the Star for libel, Dad?”
“Early this fall, while I was out of town for a day DeWitt let a story slip through which should have been killed. It was an interview with a football player named Bill Morcrum who was quoted as saying that he had been approached by Maxwell who offered him a bribe to throw an important game.”
“What would be the reason behind that?”
“Maxwell is thought by those in the know to have a finger in nearly every dishonest sports scheme ever pulled off in this town. He places heavy wagers, and seldom comes out on the losing end. But the story never should have been published.”
“It was true though?”
“I’m satisfied it was,” replied Mr. Parker. “However, it always is dangerous to make insinuations against a man.”
“Can’t the story be proven? I should think with the football player’s testimony you would have a good case.”
“That’s the trouble, Penny. This boy, Bill Morcrum, now claims he never made any such accusation against Maxwell. He says the reporter misquoted him and twisted his statements.”
“Who covered the story, Dad?”