"I rather guess I would, if I could do it honestly," answered Ray, his eyes brightening at the very thought.
The two men looked at each other significantly a moment. Then Mr. Wilson arose and went to the door of the room. Opening it, he looked up and down the hall, listening intently. Satisfied at last with his examination, he closed and locked the door, and came back to his chair. Both gentlemen now drew their chairs a little closer to Ray's, while Mr. Gregory asked, with a peculiar emphasis upon his words:
"Mr. Branford, where were you on the night the Black Forge Mills were burned?"
Ray gave a great start. How much did these men know of that night's work? What was their purpose in asking? He finally answered, though with manifest hesitation:
"I was there at Black Forge."
"Were you not the very first to discover that fire?" Mr. Gregory asked, a little sharply.
"Yes, sir," replied Ray.
The lawyer fastened those piercing eyes upon the lad, and inquired slowly and distinctly:
"Have you any objection to telling us where you were when you first saw the fire, and where you immediately went upon discovering it?"
Ray colored a little, but otherwise was perfectly calm, as he answered: