I think, at present, he is
inclined to be both deaf and dumb, but if he's driven to action,
he will act. And, judge, this man Flannagan isn't going to stop
where he is."
"Black, be merciful to my misery. What does this man know? Have
you any idea?"
"No, judge, I haven't. He's as tight as a drum,--and as noisy. It
is possible--just possible that he's as empty. A few days will
tell."
"I cannot wait for a few days. I hardly feel as if I could wait a
few hours. Oliver must come, even if--if the consequences are
likely to be fatal. An Ostrander once accused cannot skulk. Oliver
has been accused and--Send that!" he quickly cried, pulling
forward the telegram he had been writing.
Mr. Black took up the telegram and read:
Come at once. Imperative. No delay and no excuse.
ARCHIBALD OSTRANDER.
"Mrs. Scoville will supply the address," continued the poor
father. "You will see that it goes, and that its sending is kept
secret. The answer, if any is sent, had better be directed to your
office. What do you say, Black?"
"I am your friend, right straight through, judge. Your friend."
"And my boy's adviser?"
"You wish that?"
"Very much."
"Then, there's my hand on it, unless he wishes a change when we
see him."
"He will not wish any change."
"I don't know. I'm a surly fellow, judge. I have known you all
these years, yet I've never expressed--never said what I even find
it hard to say now, that--that my esteem is something more than
esteem; that--that I'll do anything for you, judge.
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