But many others said that he wouldn't steal.

A fellow that had thrown away all his chances of making money wouldn't steal.

To which it was rejoined that if Charlton did not care for money he was a good hater, and that what such a man would not do for money he might do for spite.

And then, too, it was known that Albert had been very anxious to get away, and that he wanted to get away before Westcott did.
And that everything depended on which should get a land-warrant first.
What more natural than that Charlton should seize upon Smith Westcott's land-warrant, and thus help himself and retard his rival?
This sort of reasoning staggered those who would have defended him on the ground of previous good character.
But that which shook the popular confidence in Albert most was his own behavior when arrested.

He was perfectly collected until he inquired what evidence there was against him.