Nash ignored the politician’s interruption and continued his remarks directly to the president. “When I threatened to inform the authorities of the truth, Mr. Hooker asked me to call upon Mr. Sigsbee. I did so. Mr. Sigsbee, instead of discharging me, as I had expected, admitted things were not as they should be, placed the blame on his foreman’s shoulders, and offered me the position, with the understanding that I should be directly responsible, and that Camp Forty-seven was to be forever above suspicion.” The engineers were paying close attention, and appeared to be convinced of Nash’s statements. Sigsbee was still on his feet, and when Nash had finished he spoke again. “Gentlemen,” he began smilingly, “you have all known me, most of you, for the past ten years. You all know how faithfully I have worked that this great waterway might be made an actuality. The insinuations just now cast upon myself and upon the affairs of Camp Forty-seven are absurd. I was attracted to Mr. Nash by his apparent knowledge of engineering matters, his earnestness, and the fact that he was a native of this city. Mr. Hooker was ill, and had long before asked for a vacation. I considered it my opportunity, and made the change. There were no hard feelings at all, I can assure you. I would like to ask Mr. Nash, if I may, what proofs he is prepared to offer to substantiate his claims.” Nash realized his helplessness. Sigsbee must have known, too, otherwise he would never have asked the question. “I have no proofs, gentlemen,” he declared, “other than my word.” Sigsbee smiled, and sat down. The president nodded for the engineer to resume. “I accepted the position as foreman of Camp Forty-seven, and since then have worked faithfully in the discharge of my duties. The specifications given me by Mr. Sigsbee have been followed to the letter. I had no suspicions as to the trick being played upon me until Miss Breen arrested me last night.” “What trick was played upon you?” asked the president. “Changing the specifications,” Nash answered. “False ones were given me. I followed them. When I attempted to prove my innocence to Miss Breen I found they had been taken and the rightful ones substituted.” “Did those specifications come from the board, Mr. Sigsbee?” the president inquired. “Certainly, sir,” Sigsbee nodded. “If I am not mistaken, they are now in Mr. Nash’s cabin, on file. Are they not, Mr. Nash?” “They were placed there some time yesterday afternoon, by Mr. Hooker,” Nash responded. Sigsbee looked around at the circle of anxious faces and shook his head. “Did you ever hear of a more absurd statement, gentlemen?” he asked solicitously. “Why, the thing is farcical!” By their expressions, the men about the table seemed to agree with Sigsbee. The president spoke again, after the interval: “I suppose, Mr. Nash, you have proofs to substantiate these claims against Mr. Sigsbee?”