Page:The Millbank Case - 1905 - Eldridge.djvu/267

 would not be impossible in such an event that it might stumble on the story that Cranston tried to sell you to-day?"

"In other words, you would become the pedlar of scandal," sneered Matthewson.

"In other words, that justice might not fail, I'd get at the facts, even if they involved my own—brother. Don't you see, Mr. Matthewson, I'm giving you a chance? If, with a knowledge of all the facts, I can bring this crime home to the murderer without bringing you into it, I'll do so. If I can't, I simply know in advance what all the world is bound to know finally. You've your chance. You can take it or leave it."

"You're pressing your advantage. I'm to tell, or you'll find out. Let me suggest you've been on the case some time and the sum of your finding is not large."

"So large, Mr. Matthewson, that I can make my arrest within twenty-four hours and, I'm certain, convict my man."

Matthewson started. There was no mistaking the tone. Still he would not yield.