'Since Athelstan was not in London during the months of March and April, he could have had no hand in the later forgeries. And it is acknowledged that the same hand was concerned both in the earlier and the later business.' 'Yes--yes--the same hand. Oh! yes--the same hand,' he repeated with pathos unintelligible to his master. 'The same hand--the same hand; yes--yes--the same hand--that's the devil of it--same hand done it all.' 'Then what becomes of your charge against my young Partner? You were extremely fierce about it. So was my brother. You had no proofs--nor had he. If the same hand was in both forgeries, it could not have been the hand of George Austin. What do you say to that?' 'Nothing. I'm never going'--still standing hands hanging--'to say anything again as long as I live.' 'But you were very fierce about it, Checkley. You must either find more proofs or withdraw your accusation.' 'Oh! if that's all, I withdraw-- I withdraw everything.' 'Why did you bring that charge then, Checkley? You've been making yourself very busy over the character of my Partner. You have permitted yourself to say things in the office before the clerks about him. If it turns out that he has had nothing to do with the business, you will be in a very serious position.' 'I withdraw-- I withdraw everything,' the old clerk replied, but not meekly. He was prepared to withdraw, but only because he was forced. 'Remember, too, that it was you who brought the charge against young Arundel.' 'I withdraw-- I withdraw everything.' 'You went so far as to remember--the other day--having seen him replace the notes in the safe. What do you say to that?' 'I withdraw.' 'But it was a direct statement--the testimony of an eyewitness. Was it true or not?--I don't know you this morning, Checkley. First, you appear shaking and trembling: then you tell me things which seem in no way to warrant so much agitation. Next, you withdraw an accusation which ought never to have been made except with the strongest proof. And now you wish to withdraw an alleged fact.' Checkley shook his head helplessly. 'I acknowledge that the business remains as mysterious as before. Nothing has been found out. But there remains an evident and savage animosity on your part towards two young gentlemen in succession. Why? What have they done to you?'