“Yes, it is I. Look at me well, for you will soon be out of the way of looking at honest men’s faces.”
“Gentlemen, what ridiculous farce is this? What do you mean by invading my premises and using such threatening language?”
Mr. Stark here took the floor.
“Let me explain in a few words,” he said, in a quiet tone.“It will perhaps be the surest way of avoiding any unnecessary disturbance. We are here, Mr. Haywood, as has been stated, for the purpose of arresting you on the charge of secretly importing goods of foreign manufacture and evading the payment of the lawful duties thereon. Resistance or defense will be useless. Every point necessary to support the charge is covered by evidence to be brought forward by competent witnesses. The secret receptacle of the goods at Rocky Beach, and the agency through which they are disposed of in Jersey City, are known. Your own visits at Rocky Beach, in disguise; the roundabout way, across fields and through woods, which you took to get there; your dealings with Jacob Rush, are also known. Other facts are in our possession; other revelations have been made; your ship has been captured; one of your men has confessed——”
“Who,” growled Haywood, “has been so false?”
“One who knows,” said Mr. Stark, impressively, “of your agency in the murder of Colonel Conrad.”
These words staggered Haywood. He reeled and caught a chair for support. The desolation and dismay that filled his soul found vivid expression in his face.
“Do you surrender?” asked Mr. Stark.
“I surrender,” he gasped.
The officer approached him.