To them Judge Harvey told of the visit of the four police officers, scathingly expounded the character of Matilda's brother, and explained how he, Judge Harvey, had been forced to protect the outrageous scape-grace.

Through this recital, Mr.Pyecroft, though unbowed by shame, continued to wear his respectful, regretful look.
"Perhaps you will not believe me, Judge Harvey," he returned courteously, and with the ring of sincerity, when the indictment was ended, "and even if you do believe me, perhaps my statement will mean nothing to you; but I desire none the less to state that I am sorry that you were the person to be deceived by those Jefferson letters.

Of course, I had no idea to whom they were to be sold.

I did them for the autograph dealer, so much for the job--and did them partly as a lark, though, of course, I do not expect you to appreciate the humor of the affair.

It may be some consolation to you, however, to know that I profited very little from the transaction; the dealer got over ninety per cent of the price you paid." The Judge snorted, and stalked incredulously and wrathfully out, Jack and Mary behind him; and Mrs.De Peyster was left alone in the bosom of her family.