"This is his letter of that date," returned Phillips, referring to the one already read.
"Ougheltree did write me a letter of that date, gentlemen," conceded the Governor, eyeing the other sternly. Whereupon Wilkinson winked broadly at the committee, and the chairman took notes upon a little pad. "But this is not the letter."
The chairman smiled.
"It's very strange," he said, meaningly.
The committee returned to the reception-room and took seats round the table.
"You understand, Governor," said the chairman, "that we are commissioned to report on these charges. We came here partly to get evidence, partly to get your statement. You understand that the Ilingsworth case is the pivot on which this turns."
"I understand that, Mr. Chairman," said the Governor.
"Do you mind telling us just why you pardoned this man Ilingsworth?" inquired the other.
Leslie leaned forward, drinking in every word. Even the lingering respect that she had for Beekman was fast leaving her. Her father had seen to that. Beekman was already sinking beneath the surface. Wilkinson intended that he should go down into ignominy shunned by all.
Beekman still addressed the men of the committee, but now he looked at Leslie.