Part 12 (1/2)

If Pat's opinion concerning Mr. Arnot's ”in'ards” had not been substantially correct, that inexorable man would have seen that this was not an old offender who stood before him. The fact that Haldane was overwhelmed with shame and fear, should have tempered his course with healing and saving kindness. But Mr. Arnot had already decided upon his plan, and no other thought would occur to him save that of carrying it out with machine-like precision. His frown deepened as he saw the reporter, but after a second's thought he made no objection to his presence, as the increasing publicity that would result would add to the punishment which was designed to be a signal warning to all in his employ.

After a moment's lowering scrutiny of the trembling youth, during which his confidential clerk, by previous arrangement, appeared, that he might be a witness of all that occurred, Mr. Arnot said coldly:

”Well, sir, perhaps you can now tell me what has become of the funds which I intrusted to your care last evening.”

”That is my purpose--object,” stammered Haldane; ”if you will only give me a chance I will tell you everything.”

”I am ready to hear, sir. Be brief; business has suffered too great an interruption already.”

”Please have a little consideration for me,” said Haldane, eagerly, great beaded drops of perspiration starting from his brow; ”I do not wish to speak before all these witnesses. Give me a private interview, and I will explain everything, and can promise that the money shall be refunded.”

”I shall make certain of that, rest a.s.sured,” replied Mr. Arnot, in the same cold, relentless tone. ”The money was intrusted to your care last evening, in the presence of witnesses. Here are the empty envelopes. If you have any explanations to make concerning what you did with the money, speak here and now.”

”I must warn the young man,” said the policeman, interposing, ”not to say anything which will tend to criminate himself. He must remember that whatever he says will appear against him in evidence.”

”But there is no need that this affair should have any such publicity,”

Haldane urged in great agitation. ”If Mr. Arnot will only show a little humanity toward me I will arrange the matter so that he will not lose a penny. Indeed, my mother will pay twice the sum rather than have the affair get abroad.”

The reporter just behind him grinned and lifted his eyebrows as he took down these words _verbatim_.

”For your mother's sake I deeply regret that 'the affair' as you mildly term it, must and has become known. As far as you are concerned, I have no compunctions. When a seeming man can commit a grave crime in the hope that a widowed mother--whose stay and pride he ought to be--will come to his rescue, and buy immunity from deserved punishment, he neither deserves, nor shall he receive, mercy at my hands. But were I capable of a maudlin sentiment of pity in the circ.u.mstances, the duty I owe my business would prevent any such expression as you desire. When any one in my employ takes advantage of my confidence, he must also, and with absolute certainty, take the consequences.”

”Bad luck ter yez!” mentally e.j.a.c.u.l.a.t.ed Pat, whom curiosity and the fascination of his own impending fate had drawn within earshot.

”What do you intend to do with me?” asked Haldane, his brow contracting, and his face growing sullen under Mr. Arnot's harsh, bitter words.

”Do! What is done with clerks who steal their employers' money?”

”I did not steal your money,” said Haldane impetuously.

”Where is it, then?” asked Mr. Arnot, with a cold sneer.

”Be careful, now,” said the policeman; ”you are getting excited, and you may say what you'll wish you hadn't.”

”Mr. Arnot, do you mean to have it go abroad to all the world that I have deliberately stolen that thousand dollars?” asked the young man desperately.

”Here are the empty envelopes. Where is the money?” said his employer, in the same cool, inexorable tone.

”I met two sharpers from New York, who made a fool of me--”

”Made a fool of you! that was impossible,” interrupted Mr. Arnot with a harsh laugh.

”Dastard that you are, to strike a man when he is down,” thundered Haldane wrathfully. ”Since everything must go abroad, the truth shall go, and not foul slander. I got to drinking with these men from New York, and missed the train--”

”Be careful, now; think what you are saying,” interrupted the policeman.

”He charges me with what amounts to a bald theft, and in a way that all will hear of the charge, and shall I not defend my self?”

”O, certainly, if you can prove that you did not take the money--only remember, what you say will appear in the evidence.”

”What evidence?” cried the bewildered and excited youth with an oath.