Apparently, Hamish was annoyed
at being so caught, and started up.
"Good night, mother. I am going to bed."
They wished him good night, and he left the room. Mr. Channing turned
again to Arthur. He took his hand, and spoke with agitation. "My boy,
do you know that I would almost rather have died, than live to see this
guilt fall upon you?"
"Oh, father, don't judge me harshly!" he implored. "Indeed I am
innocent."
Mr. Channing paused. "Arthur, you never, as I believe, told me a lie in
your life. What is this puzzle?"
"I am not telling a lie now."
"I am tempted to believe you. But why, then, act as if you were guilty?
When those men came here to-day, you knew what they wanted; you
resigned yourself, voluntarily, a prisoner. When Mr. Galloway
questioned you privately of your innocence, you could not assert it."
Neither could he now in a more open way than he was doing.
"Can you look me in the face and tell me, in all honour, that you know
nothing of the loss of the note?"
"All I can say, sir, is, that I did not take it or touch it."
"Nay, but you are equivocating!" exclaimed Mr. Channing.
Arthur felt that he was, in some measure, and did not gainsay it.
"Are you aware that to-morrow you may be committed for trial on the
charge?"
"I know it," replied Arthur. "Unless--unless--" he stopped in
agitation. "Unless you will interest yourself with Galloway, and induce
him to withdraw proceedings.
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