It was gone, I could not explain how.
Everything seemed against me.

My explanations were ridiculed, and until I had been out here a couple of years I could not see the light.

It came one day, though, like a flash--when it was too late." Nic looked at him inquiringly.
"My subordinate was the guilty man: the meek, amiable wretch who broke down in the witness-box and wept at being forced to tell all he knew.
Even I believed and liked him at the time--poor weak fool that I was! If it imposed on me, who listened to every word he spoke, seeking for some way of escape, how could I wonder that judge, jury, and counsel were deceived?
But it was too late when I read the truth, and that to save himself he sacrificed me--me who had helped him in every way." "Then you really did not take this money ?" cried Nic.
"Not one penny.

I?
But, there, why did you drag this all from me, boy?
You made me speak.

I do not say it to excite your sympathy.