I only know that Mr.Mainwaring had, years ago, some important private business with this man." "Will you state the nature of this business ?" "Without giving exact details," Scott replied, speaking deliberately but with no hesitation, though conscious of the surprise and indignation depicted on some of the faces about him, "this man was employed as an attorney by Mr.Mainwaring before the latter came to this country, and has since, at various times, extorted money from him by threats of exposure regarding certain transactions." The silence that followed this statement was of itself eloquent.
The young secretary felt every eye fastened upon himself, and, though his own eyes were fixed on the coroner's face, he saw reflected even there the general expression of mingled astonishment, incredulity, and resentment.

Unmoved, however, he awaited, coolly and impassively, the next words of the coroner.
"Mr.Scott," said Dr.Westlake, a touch of severity in his tone, "this is a serious assertion to make regarding a man so widely known as Mr.Mainwaring, and so universally considered above reproach in his business transactions." "I am aware of that fact, sir," replied Scott, calmly, "but reference to the private letter-files of Mr.Mainwaring will prove the truth of my assertion.

I made this statement simply because the time and place demanded it.

You were endeavoring to ascertain the cause of Mr.Mainwaring's perturbation on learning yesterday of the arrival of Hobson.

I have given what I consider the clue." "How recently had this man Hobson extorted money from Mr.Mainwaring, and in what amount ?" "The last money sent him was about three years ago, a sum of five thousand dollars.