"Yes; I telegraphed yesterday to Robert Manning that you were here. Officers of the law may arrive at any time." "Why did you betray me?" asked Barton, quietly. "Because I thought it my duty. I had no right to shield a criminal." "Then why have you put me on my guard?" "For your wife's sake." "I am surprised at your consideration. You showed very little when you discharged my boy from your factory." "That was a matter of business. But there is no time to waste in discussion. I advise you to go to the station at once. A train will leave for New York in half an hour, and you may be able to escape before the arrival of the officers." "But I don't want to escape." "Are you mad?" demanded the squire, impatiently. "Do you want to spend a term of years in prison?" "Heaven forbid!" "Then profit by my warning, and escape while there is time." "No. If I am arrested I will stand trial." "Have you taken leave of your senses?" "No; I wish to prove my innocence." "What chance have you of that?" "The testimony of Ralph Harding----" "What!" exclaimed Squire Marlowe, rising in great agitation. "Where is Ralph Harding?" "Here!" was the unexpected reply, and Uncle Jacob entered the room, accompanied by Bert and Mr. Harding. Albert Marlowe turned his gaze from one to another in ill-concealed dismay. "What is the meaning of this?" he asked, hoarsely. "Have you been hatching up a plot against me?" "No," answered Uncle Jacob with dignity. "It is our object to relieve John Barton from the stigma upon his fair name. In doing so it may be necessary to fasten the crime upon the guilty party. Who that is, you know as well as I do." "No one will credit the testimony of that man!" said the squire, pointing scornfully at Ralph Harding. "Don't be too sure of that! His story is plain and straightforward, and I think it will impress the court that way." "Albert has been urging me to escape," said John Barton. "He has set the officers on my track." "Has he done this?" asked Uncle Jacob, sharply. "So he says." At this moment a knock was heard at the door, and there was a new and unexpected arrival, which produced a sensation. It was Robert Manning, of Brooklyn. "You telegraphed to me, Mr. Marlowe," he said. "This man, I believe, is John Barton." "You are right, sir," responded Barton, calmly. "I might have brought with me an officer and an order of arrest, but I have chosen instead to offer to drop all action against you if you will restore the bonds or their equivalent. I have no wish to be revenged, but I want reparation." "As I never took your bonds, I am not the person to apply to," replied Barton. "Then perhaps you will have the kindness to tell me who did take the bonds," said Manning, incredulously. "I will do that," responded Ralph Harding, coming forward. "There he stands!" "It is a lie!" interposed the squire, hoarsely.