“Great heavens! is that really so?”
“Well, it isn’t word for word, but that is the purport. Of course, if I had my books here, I—why, you’ve doubtless heard of the case of the Pacific Steamship Company versus Cumberland. I was retained on behalf of the company. Now all Cumberland did was to allow the man—he was sent up for two years—to carry his valise on board, but we proved the intent. Like a fool, he boasted of it, but the steamer brought back the man, and Cumberland got off with four thousand dollars and costs. Never got out of that scrape less than ten thousand dollars. Then again, the steamship Peruvian versus McNish; that is even more to the—”
“See here, Cupples. Come with me to-night and see the man. If you heard him talk you would see the inhumanity—”
“Tush. I’m not fool enough to mix up in such a matter, and look here, you’ll have to work it pretty slick if you get yourself out. The man will be caught as sure as fate; then knowingly or through fright he’ll incriminate you.”
“What would you do if you were in my place?”
“My dear sir, don’t put it that way. It’s a reflection on both my judgment and my legal knowledge. I couldn’t be in such a scrape. But, as a lawyer—minus the fee—I’ll tell you what you should do. You should give the man up before witnesses—before witnesses. I’ll be one of them myself. Get as many of the cabin passengers as you like out here, to-day, and let the officers search. If he charges you with what the law terms support, deny it, and call attention to the fact that you have given information. By the way, I would give written information and keep a copy.”
“I gave the man my word not to inform on him and so I can’t do it to-day, but I’ll tell him of it to-night.”
“And have him commit suicide or give himself up first and incriminate you? Nonsense. Just release yourself from your promise. That’s all. He’ll trust you.”
“Yes, poor wretch, I’m afraid he will.”
About ten o’clock that night I resolved to make another appeal to Roger Cupples to at least stand off and hear the man talk. Cupples’ state-room, No. 96, was in the forward part of the steamer, down a long passage and off a short side passage. Mine was aft the cabin. The door of 96 was partly open, and inside an astonishing sight met my gaze.