“Certainly, if you will consent to act in my behalf. As a preliminary, permit me to advance this.”
He extended a hundred-dollar bill, which Mr. Royalton accepted, with a bow.
“I have a bank account in New York of three thousand dollars, on which I can draw in case of necessity,” said Carlos.
“Very good,” said Mr. Royalton. “And now you must state to me, without reserve, all circumstances connected with this affair. Whether you are committed for trial or not, we must make as good a show as possible at the examination. Let me have your perfect confidence.”
Carlos then related to Mr. Royalton the arrival of himself and Leonard in Dalton, and told every circumstance of their stay up to the fatal evening. Of the occurrences associated with the murder he gave a detailed account. The lawyer listened attentively, and made occasional notes on an envelope he took from his pocket. His countenance did not change during the entire recital, and at its close Carlos could not discern his thoughts concerning the aspect of the case. He meditated for a moment, and then asked:
“What was the nature of the misunderstanding between your uncle and your father?”
“It was a family matter,” replied Carlos, “in which Geoffrey Haywood was, as I have said, the prime mischief-maker.”
“Have you any evidence of this?”
“None but that contained in the accounts I left with my uncle.”
“That is unfortunate. Haywood stands well in Dalton.”