Part 29 (1/2)
”Then Mr. Dumont and De Guy are the only persons concerned in the transaction?”
”Yes.”
”You are positive?”
”Yes.”
”Then, how comes it, Mr. Maxwell, that they have intrusted you with their secret? How came you by this knowledge?” said Hatchie, fiercely, as he prepared, apparently, to swing up the attorney.
Maxwell was staggered by this question, and Hatchie perceived his discomfiture. That Maxwell had any agency in the transaction he only suspected; certainly it was not he whom he had seen with Jaspar on the night of his escape from Bellevue. There was much evidence for and much against him.
Maxwell, unwilling to criminate himself, was in a sad dilemma; his ready wits alone could save him. But his hesitation procured him another instant of suffocation.
”I obtained the knowledge from De Guy,” said he, at last.
”How! did he voluntarily betray the confidence of his employer?”
”No, from his inquiries concerning the affairs of the family, I suspected something; when the will was read my impressions were confirmed. I charged him with the crime.”
”Did he acknowledge it?”
”He did.”
”Then why did you not expose the plot?”
”It did not suit my purpose.”
”What was your purpose?”
”To marry Miss Dumont.”
The attorney's answers seemed plausible. His actions were in conformity with his avowed purpose. If he wished to marry his mistress, he would not have joined in the plot. But the bill of sale, which Emily had mentioned to him, was against him. Poor Hatchie was no lawyer, and was sadly perplexed by the conflicting testimony.
”Where did you get that bill of sale?” said he.
Again the attorney hesitated, and again Hatchie pulled the rope till he was ready to answer.
”Is it a forgery?” said Hatchie, slackening the rope.
”Probably it is,” replied Maxwell.
”Who wrote it?”
”De Guy.”
”This De Guy is a most consummate villain, and shall yet be brought to justice. But how came it in your possession?”
”I received it from De Guy, as the agent of Mr. Dumont. In fine, I _bought_ the girl,” said Maxwell, maliciously.