"I have one I would like to ask the witness," said Mr. Farrington, and then addressing Fred, he said: "John Rexford testified that you threatened to make false statements about his business if he kept the money due you. Is this true?" "I object to this question," said attorney Ham, who had learned the merchant's great desire to avoid further testimony upon this point. "It has no bearing upon this case." "It does have a bearing upon the case, and I have a special reason for wanting an answer to my question," replied Mr. Farrington. "The witness may answer," said the judge. "Your honor," put in Ham, "I protest against bringing in the private business of my client, which has no relation to this case." "This case is entirely one of circumstantial evidence," replied the judge, "and it is important that we get at the facts regarding the boy's character. The witness will answer the question." "No, sir, it is not true." "Did you make no threat whatever?" "When he said he would keep my money, I told him it was a mean trick, but not much meaner than I had seen him play upon his customers." "What reply did he make?" "He asked me if I meant to insinuate that he cheated his customers." "And you replied?" "I said I did." "What followed?" "He threatened to have me arrested." "And what did you say to that?" "I replied that I would like to have him do so, for I could then tell some things about his methods that would make a stir in the village." "This, then, is the threat you made?" "Yes, if you call it a threat," answered Fred. "Mr. Rexford's testimony does not agree with yours upon this point," said the judge. "Was there no statement about any special subject which Mr. Rexford considered false?" "There was a reference to one or two matters," replied our young hero evasively. The merchant now looked pale and wretched. His crooked business methods were about to be made known, and such a disclosure, coming right upon the loss of his store, was crushing to him. "You will please state one of them," said the judge. "I would prefer not to," said Fred. "Why do you hesitate?" asked his honor. "Because I do not wish to reveal matters about my employer's business that should be considered confidential." "It is honorable in you to be so considerate of your former employer, and especially as he is now trying to establish a case against you. As you are only a boy, I consider it but right that I should advise you to show, if you can, that you did not threaten to make a false statement regarding his business. Such proof would aid your case and show well for your character." Fred hesitated, thinking what he ought to do. Mr. Rexford took advantage of the pause, and asked if he would be allowed to speak a word upon this point before it was carried further. As no objection was raised by the defense, he said: