Mannis, with his keen eye, saw that the veteran politician was really moved. He was astonished; what politician would not have been? But he did not lose his wits; he said:
"The only thing necessary now is to prevent Alden's return. Of course you have intercepted his letters, for Sargent told me as I entered the bank that he handed you two this morning."
"Yes, I have them safe; but the counterfeiting and forging business must follow. When will bloodshed be added?"
The words were spoken in a desperate voice, so Mannis quickly replied:
"Come, Senator, put on your hat and let us walk over to my room at the hotel. You need fresh air and a glass of wine—then we will return here and look further into this matter."
The Senator at first refused the invitation, but persuasion finally made him yield, and the two men left the bank.
Returning an hour later, Senator Hamblin was in better spirits, the fresh air, together with several glasses of wine, having changed his whole demeanor. Despondency had given way to exuberance of spirits, and both men were soon seated side by side, smoking cigars. Then George Alden's letters were brought from their hiding-place and examined, Mannis remarking:
"Well, he is a gushing youth if nothing else."
It being decided an answer must be sent Alden, Mannis, taking paper and pen, wrote as follows: