Part 34 (1/2)
His friends knew it was a lie, but what could they say? What proof could they bring forward? I now ask you what became of that gold? It is a secret no longer. The witness is here,” and Stephen held the papers aloft. The silence which now pervaded the hall was most intense. Every ear was strained to its utmost, and every eye was fixed full upon that up-lifted hand.
”Here is my witness,” repeated Stephen, ”and I ask the man, the last speaker, whose name is signed to this paper, to stand up and give us an explanation.”
During the latter part of this speech, Farrington had turned as white as death. He sat bolt upright, with his hands clutching convulsively the edge of the seat. He felt that something terrible was pending, and a horrible, craven fear overwhelmed him! He knew that paper held up there only too well. It was simply a sheet of cheap writing-paper, and yet it was his ruin. It was d.a.m.ning him as a scoundrel and a sneak in the presence of these people!
”Cannot the last speaker explain how his name happens to be here and what he knows about that gold?”
These words fell like the knell of doom upon Farrington's ears. What was he to do? But something must be done.
”What d'ye mean?” he gasped. ”What d'ye want me to explain?”
”About this writing.”
”What writin', an' whar did ye git any writin' of mine? It's some mean trick!” he shouted, jumping to his feet. ”This villain has come here fer the purpose of injurin' me! I tell ye it's false! it's false!”
”But what about this?” Stephen insisted, calmly holding up one of the papers. ”And there are others.”
”What is it? What is it? Read it, Steve,” came the cry from the audience.
”I say it's false!” shouted Farrington, springing again to his feet, his face blanched with terror. ”It's a mean trick! Put the villain out! Will ye let an honest man be put upon in this way?”
”Read the paper, Steve,” urged several. ”Let's know what's the matter. We don't understand this fuss.”
Farrington made a pathetic figure as he stood there uncertain what to do.
He knew he was in a trap, but he had not the moral courage to stand up and face the worst like a man. Had he done so there were many who would have pitied him. But he bl.u.s.tered and raved and threatened what he would do.
”If that man will be still for a few minutes,” said Stephen, ”I shall tell you what these papers contain.”
”Sit down, Farrington!” came a general yell. ”We'll hear you later.”
”Now,” began Stephen. ”I shall read this one first. It is not long.
”'To-day October 30, 18-- I placed the sum of $5,000 in gold in Silas Farrington's safe for him to keep until called for. The money is locked in a stout, iron box marked with a cross with white paint. I do not like banks--they are not to be depended upon, and are always failing. This seems to be the best place to put my money. I am to give Mr. Farrington one dollar a month for the use of the safe. 'WILLIAM FLETCHER.'”
As Stephen finished the reading, a movement took place among the people and angry, threatening words were interchanged.
”It's a lie!” yelled Farrington. ”It's made up to ruin me! Will ye believe sich a story?”
”Just wait a minute,” continued Stephen, holding forth another small piece of paper. Here is further evidence which might be of some service. Listen to this.
”'Glendow, Friday, Oct. 30th, 18-- Received from William Fletcher, the sum of $5,000 in gold, in an iron box, to be kept for him in trust in my safe until called for, he promising to pay me one dollar a month for the use of my safe. 'SILAS FARRINGTON.'”
An intense silence now reigned in the hall. All were waiting to see what would happen next. It was the calm before the storm. The people were more than surprised, they were dumfounded at this sudden turn of events. The purpose of the meeting was forgotten. Then one wild cry went up. There was confusion everywhere, all talking and shouting at once. At this the chairman rose to his feet, and held up his hand for peace. Gradually the commotion subsided, and all waited to hear what he had to say.
”We are much astonished at what has happened,” he began. ”It is a very serious matter. These papers are of a most damaging nature to one of the candidates here to-night. He has emphatically denied the statements made therein. But we demand further proof. Let him now come forward and speak.
Perhaps he can explain matters fully.”
”Hear! Hear!” came from every part of the building.