“Changing the specifications,” Nash answered. “False ones were given me. I followed them. When I attempted to prove my innocence to Miss Breen I found they had been taken and the rightful ones substituted.”
“Did those specifications come from the board, Mr. Sigsbee?” the president inquired.
“Certainly, sir,” Sigsbee nodded. “If I am not mistaken, they are now in Mr. Nash’s cabin, on file. Are they not, Mr. Nash?”
“They were placed there some time yesterday afternoon, by Mr. Hooker,” Nash responded.
Sigsbee looked around at the circle of anxious faces and shook his head. “Did you ever hear of a more absurd statement, gentlemen?” he asked solicitously. “Why, the thing is farcical!”
By their expressions, the men about the table seemed to agree with Sigsbee. The president spoke again, after the interval:
“I suppose, Mr. Nash, you have proofs to substantiate these claims against Mr. Sigsbee?”
“As the false specifications are gone, I am unable to give you any,” Nash responded. “Mr. Sigsbee and his confederate, Mr. Hooker, have planned a shrewd game, and have left few loopholes. As the matter stands at the present I am helpless.”
Sigsbee was upon his feet instantly, his cheeks flaming. “I won’t stand for such insinuations!” he roared. “I won’t stand for a man of Mr. Nash’s reputation to——”
The president of the board put up his hand. “Just a moment, Mr. Sigsbee,” he cautioned. “I think we can straighten out this matter with the aid of these new witnesses.”