It is not probable
that the evidence you think you have will be considered by any
magistrate of sufficient importance to be acted upon against a man of
Mr. Willcoxen's life and character."
"Heaven grant that such may be the case."
"Attend! collect your thoughts--the evidence you produce will probably
be considered unimportant and quite unworthy of attention; but what will
be thought of you who volunteer to offer it?"
"I had not reflected upon that--and now you mention it, I do not care."
"And if, on the other hand, the testimony which you have to offer be
considered ground for indictment, and Thurston is brought to trial, and
acquitted, as he surely would be--"
"Ay! Heaven send it!"
"And the whole affair blown all over the country--how would you appear?"
"I know not, and care not, so he is cleared; Heaven grant I may be the
only sufferer! I am willing to take the infamy."
"You would be held up before the world as an ingrate, a domestic
traitress, and unnatural monster. You would be hated of all--your name
and history become a tradition of almost impossible wickedness."
"Ha! why, do you think that in such an hour as this I care for myself?
No, no! no, no! Heaven grant that it may be as you say--that my brother
be acquitted, and I only may suffer! I am willing to suffer shame and
death for him whom I denounce! Let me go, Paul; I have lost too much
time here.
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