“A year and a half prior to our discovery of the theft,” corrected Mr. Stevens. “And you have testified that the so-called theft dated back even beyond that, at its beginning.” “So the expert accountants informed us. I have no means of knowing for myself.'' “And it was your conclusion that he sold his property in the effort to rehabilitate himself before his misfortune was discovered?” “I did not allude to it as a misfortune, sir.” “Well, then, his crime.” “I have said that such was my conclusion.” “Will you again, state just what you paid for the property in question?” “We paid two hundred thousand dollars for the two pieces.” “Cash?” “Part in cash and part in an exchange for property in the Bronx. Sixty thousand in cash. The Bronx property is in the shape of building lots, valued at more than two hundred thousand dollars.” “Then or now?” “Then _and_ now, sir.” “State, if you know, does Mr. Hildebrand still own this Bronx property?” “I believe it is in his name.” “And it is still worth two hundred thousand dollars?” “It is worth a great deal more, sir.” “I see. Now, Mr. Stevens, you have testified that this defendant wrote letters to the several members of your corporation, advising them that you and Mr. Drew had sold this downtown property to an insurance company for ten times as much as you paid him for it. Was Mr. Hildebrand uttering the truth when he made that assertion?” “Am I obliged to answer that question, your Honour?” “Yes. It is a very simple question,” said the Court drily, giving his moustache a gentle twist. “We received one million eight hundred thousand for the property,” said Mr. Stevens, defiantly. “Cash?” “Yes.” “You didn't take any Bronx property in exchange?” “Certainly not.” “How long was this after the time you purchased the property?” “About two years.” “Isn't it true that you were offered a million dollars for the property two weeks after you bought it?” “What has all this got to do with the case?” “You can say yes or no, can't you, Mr. Stevens?” “I shall say no, then. We were approached by persons representing the insurance company, but they made no bona fide offer.” “They asked you if a million would tempt you, though, didn't they?” “I don't remember.” “In any event, you told them that you held the property at two millions, didn't you? That was your price?” “It was our price, yes.” “And you held off selling until they finally came to your terms--or nearly up to them--and then you sold?” “We sold when we were ready, Mr. O'Brien.” “I see. Did you know before purchasing Mr. Hildebrand's property that this insurance company was desirous of buying it for building purposes?” “Object!” interposed the district attorney. “Objection sustained,” said the Court.