“Where did you go from Camp Forty-seven?” the president asked. “Up the usual road.” “But you only arrived in Los Angeles this morning, I understand.” “Yes, sir. About two miles below the camp my gasoline tank sprang a leak, and I was forced to spend the night at the Elkhorn Ranch.” “That is where Miss Breen is staying, is it not?” “Yes, sir. She came in with me this morning.” Sigsbee was ready to interrupt once more. He seemed particularly anxious to have Hooker silent. “Gentlemen of the board,” he began impressively, “it seems to me that all the necessary arguments have been heard. Miss Breen has testified, and also Mr. Hooker. Both parties are known to you, and you must be forced to admit that the claims suggested by Mr. Nash are not alone preposterous, but impossible as well.” The president nodded, and many of the others did the same. “Then I move that we hold Mr. Nash guilty of the charges brought against him, and turn him over for trial before the proper authorities,” Sigsbee resumed. The president of the board hesitated a moment. “There are a number of points which do not seem quite clear to me as they stand, but which will probably come to light during the trial. However, to me, at least, Mr. Nash appears to be prompt with his answers, and, to all appearances, telling a straightforward story. Of course, his word, against----” Sigsbee interrupted. “One moment, if I may. It seems that Mr. Nash is unable to give us any proofs as to the existence of these so-called frauds, and perhaps, if we are to weigh his words with any consideration at all, we might ask him why he left a responsible position in New York and came here to Los Angeles, willing to accept a minor one.” Nash’s fingers clenched themselves. He had been fearing that question, not so much because of himself as because of Miss Trask. “When we are to consider a man’s word, and weigh it conscientiously,” Sigsbee went on to say, “we ought to convince ourselves that his past is one to warrant it.” He turned directly to Nash. “Perhaps you will tell us why you left the New York Aqueduct so abruptly, Mr. Nash?” “That has nothing to do with the charge you are bringing against me,” Nash answered hotly. “Oh, hasn’t it?” Sigsbee sneered. “Well, perhaps the gentlemen of this board will think differently. Perhaps you do not relish the idea of telling them that you are a murderer! That you left New York to escape paying the penalty.” CHAPTER XXV. THE UNEXPECTED. The effect of Sigsbee’s declaration upon the rest of the listeners was dynamic. Every eye swung around and rested upon Nash’s white face. “What have you to say, Mr. Nash?” the president questioned, first to find his voice. “I have nothing to say,” replied Nash. “But I have!” a clear, commanding voice arose. Nash lifted his eyes. Miss Trask, who had so abruptly interrupted, was upon her feet. She looked at the president, who appeared to be as much surprised as the others. “May I explain?” she asked.