human
After that I seen Harold, and he told me where the woman was staying. I looked her up, and she told me the whole enduring yarn. It was Clemmie's last letter from Adoniah that set me going on your trail, and the old woman cleared up the fog. I had that letter in my pocket up to your place that night, but Providence or something kept me from showing it to you. That old lady had a picture of her darter Emmie, and it nearly knocked me over when she showed it to me. It was the same that Mack has here in this frame of his own mother. Take a look at that picture. He opened a drawer, lifted out a gilt-frame, and passed a small daguerreotype across to the Elder.
gpt
Mack has showed me this often, and I see that he was a chip off the old block on his mother's side. But I never dreamed the truth, because of his name. The Captain's eyes narrowed.
human
I've been wondering, Jim, if that wa'n't what went to your head that night he had dinner up there,--seeing the likeness, all of a sudden, to his mother.
gpt
Josiah, what on earth has all this nonsense to do with me? Just what are you accusing me of?
human
Nothing yet. I'm coming to that part. I looked up that feller who was with you over there, and I dragged your damned sin out of him. When it comes right down to it, I hate like time to take away your chart and compass this way, but you've been doing it to others for so long that I cal'late it's coming to you. I'd have let the old lady tear out your side-whiskers if it hadn't been for them children of yours. It was for them that I asked you in here.
gpt
I think,--er,--Josiah, I see your game at last. You purpose to frighten me with these wild tales from some old witch. I shall compel you to offer proof, for all your insinuations, in court.
human
Insinuations! Proof! Lord, Jim! cried the Captain, aiming a powerful finger in the direction of the Elder.
gpt
I've got proof enough to lock you up in the London Towers, or wherever it was you let Adoniah suffer for your infernal wickedness. Proof! Hell! You ain't that big a fool. Set still and hear me. You never see the shores of Africa. It was in Australia that you and Adoniah got in with that trader Rogers,--Emmie's father,--and you was getting rich trading in opals. Then, the both of you fell in love with Emmie, and Adoniah beat you out and married her. It wa'n't long after that when Adoniah took down with a fever. God, man! When I think what you done to him when he couldn't fight back, I could kill you! You got trapped in a bad deal, and while Adoniah was raving with a fever you took all the money there was and skipped. You was careful to ship all the blame for your dirty work on Adoniah afore you sneaked out a rich man.
human
Pott, that is enough. There is not a court in all this country that would believe your wild tale. Try it, and see how quickly they would lock you up in a madhouse.
gpt
They won't believe what I say?
human
I dare you to go into any court and try it. I'm too well known.
gpt
Jim, don't toss me that old line, it's a mite too green and slimy to look tasty.
human
I'm through with this stuff and nonsense, sir!
gpt
Well, I ain't through with you. I'm only just begun. The Captain intercepted him.
human
You set there, or I'll set you. This trader, Rogers, got onto your little game afore you set sail, and tried to get you arrested. But you'd covered your dirty tracks. He caught you, though, and made you sign something----
gpt
That would not stand in court. I can prove that I was forced to sign a false statement at the point of a gun.