Bridgnorth's interview that
morning with Jem.
"Why, yes," said Mr. Bridgnorth, putting down his pen, "I have seen
him, but to little purpose, I'm afraid. He's very impracticable--
very. I told him, of course, that he must be perfectly open with
me, or else I could not be prepared for the weak points. I named
your name with the view of unlocking his confidence, but"--
"What did he say?" asked Job breathlessly.
"Why, very little. He barely answered me. Indeed, he refused to
answer some questions--positively refused. I don't know what I can
do for him."
"Then you think him guilty, sir?" said Job despondingly.
"No, I don't," replied Mr. Bridgnorth, quickly and decisively.
"Much less than I did before I saw him. The impression (mind, 't is
only impression; I rely upon your caution, not to take it for fact)--
the impression," with an emphasis on the word, "he gave me is, that
he knows something about the affair, but what, he will not say; and
so the chances are, if he persists in his obstinacy, he'll be hung.
That's all."
He began to write again, for he had no time to lose.
Pages:
585
586
587
588
589
590
591
592
593
594
595
596
597
598
599
600
601
602
603
604
605
606
607
608
609