Part 9 (2/2)

”It is quite an important case,” I replied, ”and I have had the affidavits drawn up by Mr. Wood, the lawyer, and you will see the charge in a few minutes.”

”All right,” said the sheriff; ”let us go to Squire Baker's.”

Fortunately we found the justice alone, and having stated that I wished to obtain a warrant, I handed him the affidavit which I had had prepared. He carefully adjusted his gla.s.ses and began to read the paper, but in a moment or two he gave a sudden start and dropped the doc.u.ment, in utter amazement. He looked at me keenly and said:

”Do you mean to accuse Mr. Drysdale of murdering George Gordon?”

At this the sheriff was equally astonished, and he said:

”Oh! nonsense; it can't be possible. Why, do you know, my dear sir, that he is one of the finest gentlemen, and one of the most honorable men in Atkinson? Surely you are joking.”

”No, I am not joking at all,” I replied. ”I knew, of course, that you would be greatly surprised and shocked, but the proofs are too clear to admit of any doubt. The matter has been carefully examined by Mr.

Bannatine, Mr. Gordon, and Mr. McGregor, and it is at their request that I have come to get a warrant. However, I can soon convince you of his guilt.”

”Well, well, it is almost incredible,” said Squire Baker, ”but if Mr.

Bannatine and Mr. McGregor are convinced, I presume there must be strong grounds for suspicion, for they are both very careful men. I certainly hope, however, that it may prove to have been a mistake, and that Mr.

Drysdale will be able to show his innocence.”

I then made oath to the facts, and the warrant was issued. The sheriff asked me when he should make the arrest, and I told him that Drysdale was then at his office, and he must be taken at once. We accordingly, went straight to his office, where we found him with Andrews. As the sheriff entered, Drysdale said:

”How do you do, Mr. Ringwood? Take a chair.”

”No, I thank you, Mr. Drysdale,” said the sheriff in a sympathetic tone; ”the fact is, I am here on a very unpleasant duty, and I cannot stay long. I have a warrant for your arrest, Mr. Drysdale.”

”Warrant for me! what for?” exclaimed Drysdale, huskily.

”It is for the murder of George Gordon,” replied the sheriff.

”Who charges me? I----”

Drysdale could only shriek the above, ere he fell back into a chair almost lifeless. In a few minutes, he recovered somewhat, and the sheriff said:

”Mr. Pinkerton here, has made an affidavit to the charge, and he seems to be acquainted with the grounds for accusing you; suppose you walk down to the bank with us.”

Drysdale gazed at me steadily for a moment, and then said:

”Let me look at the warrant.”

He was trembling like an aspen leaf, while he was reading it, and when he had finished, he expressed a willingness to go with us, if Andrews would go too. It was now after banking hours, and the bank was closed, but the officers admitted us. After the door had been closed, I turned to Drysdale and said:

”I have the unpleasant duty, Mr. Drysdale, of charging you with the murder of George Gordon, in this bank; have you any denial to make?”

This was the signal to Green, and as I finished speaking, he pa.s.sed from behind the desk, where he had been seated, across the spot where Gordon's body had fallen. He was made up exactly like Gordon, as on previous occasions, and though he was in sight only a second, it was enough. Drysdale gave a shriek, and fell lifeless, as the apparent ghost disappeared in the vault. It was done so quickly, that even the sheriff was puzzled to determine what the apparition was. Restoratives were applied, and Drysdale soon revived.

”Great G.o.d!” he exclaimed. ”Where is George Gordon? I am sure he was here. Did you see him, Andrews?”

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