Part 97 (1/2)
The stenographer glanced toward her employer. The latter nodded, whereupon she gathered a few stray leaves of paper and departed. Bob looked after her until the door had closed behind her. Then, quite deliberately, he made a tour of the office, trying doors, peering behind curtains and portieres. He ended at the desk, to find Baker's eye fixed on him with sardonic humour. ”Melodramatic, useless--and ridiculous,” he said briefly.
”If I have any evidence to give, it will be in court, not in a private office,” replied Bob composedly.
”What do you want?” demanded Baker.
”I have come this far solely and simply to get a piece of information at first hand. I was told you had threatened to become a blackmailer, and I wanted to find out if it is true?”
”In a world of contrary definitions, it is necessary to come down to facts. What do you mean by blackmailer?”
”It has been told me that you intend to aid criminal proceedings against Mr. Welton in regard to the right-of-way trouble and the 'sugaring' of Plant.”
”Well?”
”And that in order to evade your own criminal responsibility in the matter you intended to turn state's evidence.”
”Well?” repeated Baker.
”It seemed inconceivable to me that a man of your social and business standing would not only confess himself a petty criminal, but one who shelters himself by betrayal of his confederate.”
”I do not relish any such process,” stated Baker formally, ”and would avoid it if possible. Nevertheless, if the situation comes squarely up to me, I shall meet it.”
”I suppose you have thought what decent men----”
Baker held up one hand. This was the first physical movement he had made.
”Pardon me,” he interrupted. ”Let us understand, once and for all, that I intend to defend myself when attacked. Personally I do not think that either Mr. Welton or myself are legally answerable for what we have done. I regret to observe that you, among others, think differently. If the whole matter were to be dropped at this point, I should rest quite content. But if the matter is not dropped”--at last he let his uplifted hand fall, ”if the matter is not dropped,” he repeated, ”my sense of justice is strong enough to feel that every one should stand on the same footing. If I am to be dragged into court, so must others.”
Bob stood thoughtful for a moment.
”I guess that's all,” said he, and walked out.
As the door closed behind him, Baker reached forward to touch one of several b.u.t.tons. To the uniformed messenger who appeared he snapped out the one word, ”Oldham!” A moment later the land agent stood before the wide mahogany desk.
”Orde has just been here,” stated Baker crisply. ”He wanted to know if I intended to jail Welton on that old bribery charge. I told him I did.”
”How did he take it?”
”As near as I can tell he is getting obstinate. You claimed very confidently you could head off his testimony. Up to date you haven't accomplished much. Make good.”
”I'll head him off,” stated Oldham grimly, ”or put him where he belongs.
I've saved a little persuasion until all the rest had failed.”
”How?”
”That I'll tell you in time, but not now. But I don't mind telling you that I've no reason to love this Orde--or any other Orde--and I intend to get even with him on my own account. It's a personal and private matter, but I have a club that will keep him.”
”Why the secrecy?”