letters--the two
which Shirley had sent him--and held them out for Ryder's
inspection. "These letters from Judge Rossmore to you," he said,
"show you to be acquainted with the fact that he bought those
shares as an investment--and did not receive them as a bribe."

When he caught sight of the letters and he realized what they
were, Ryder changed colour. Instinctively his eyes sought the
drawer on the left-hand side of his desk. In a voice that was
unnaturally calm, he asked:

"Why don't you produce them before the Senate?"

"It was too late," explained Stott, handing them to the financier.
"I received them only two days ago. But if you come forward and
declare--"

Ryder made an effort to control himself.

"I'll do nothing of the kind. I refuse to move in the matter. That
is final. And now, sir," he added, raising his voice and pointing
to the letters, "I wish to know how comes it that you had in your
possession private correspondence addressed to me?"

"That I cannot answer," replied Stott promptly.

"From whom did you receive these letters?" demanded Ryder.

Stott was dumb, while Shirley clutched at her chair as if she
would fall. The financier repeated the question.

"I must decline to answer," replied Stott finally.

Shirley left her place and came slowly forward. Addressing Ryder,
she said:

"I wish to make a statement."

The financier gazed at her in astonishment. What could she
know about it, he wondered, and he waited with curiosity to
hear what she was going to say. But Stott instantly realized
that she was about to take the blame upon herself, regardless
of the consequences to the success of their cause. This must
be prevented at all hazards, even if another must be sacrificed,
so interrupting her he said hastily to Ryder:

"Judge Rossmore's life and honour are at stake and no false sense
of delicacy must cause the failure of my object to save him. These
letters were sent to me by--your son."

"From my son!" exclaimed Ryder, starting. For a moment he
staggered as if he had received a blow; he was too much overcome
to speak or act. Then recovering himself, he rang a bell, and
turned to Stott with renewed fury:

"So," he cried, "this man, this judge whose honour is at stake and
his daughter, who most likely has no honour at stake, between them
have made a thief and a liar of my son! false to his father, false
to his party; and you, sir, have the presumption to come here and
ask me to interc