human
No doubt, Mrs. Sinclair, you were greatly surprised at the news which this letter brought?
gpt
So much so, sir, that I fainted; and it was some time before I was fully able to recover myself.
human
I can well believe it. But you will, no doubt, be still more astonished when I tell you that we are already in full possession of all which that letter reveals, and a little more.
gpt
WE ARE ALREADY IN FULL POSSESSION OF ALL WHICH THAT LETTER REVEALS.
human
You certainly do surprise me, sir, since I cannot see how you could have obtained the information, which my son alone was in possession of, since he begs in that letter that it may be communicated privately and confidentially to you.
gpt
As a proof, we can tell you his address when he wrote was at Ranger’s Ranch, M’Lean Station, Assiniboia, North-West Canada.
human
You will have noticed the address at the top of his letter has been cut away; this I did at his request, that you might not at present be informed as to where he is to be found.
gpt
Yes; and we could not help smiling as we observed what had been done.
human
But, said Mrs. Sinclair, much agitated,
gpt
Certainly, replied Mr. Quinion.
human
It is now six or seven weeks ago since we received a letter from a person in Canada, who, although giving us his name, has requested that it may not be made known, conveying just such information as the letter you now bring contains.
gpt
Then it would be useless to ask you for the name of your informant?
human
Well, without the writer’s permission it would scarcely be honourable on our part to do so.
gpt
Does he state how he came by the knowledge of what he writes you?
human
Yes; he states that it was a confession he overheard your son make, but to whom, or under what circumstances, is not mentioned.
gpt
Does he give any reason for writing to you as he has done?
human
All he says on that point is, that he thought it right to do so, in case we should like to know.
gpt
It cannot be regarded as a friendly act,
human
No; that is how we regarded it,
gpt
May I ask, inquired the mother, with some anxiety,
human
Well, this is what we have done: through our solicitors here, we instructed agents in Canada to inquire fully into the truth of all the letter contains; to ascertain, beyond a doubt, whether the person referred to is the one in whom we have any interest; the character of the person who has written to us, and the motives which would probably cause him to act as he has done. We are expecting by every mail to receive this agent’s report, as by it we propose being guided in the course we ought to adopt.
gpt
Oh, my dear friends! I do hope, said Mrs. Sinclair in anguished tones,
human
That is a matter, Mrs. Sinclair, on which we have arrived at no decision at present,
gpt
Oh, but is it not possible to let matters remain as they are, without reference to the report you speak of?
human
We do not say that we shall take any action upon it; at the same time, as men of business, as well as in consideration of what is due to society, we shall wait at least this report we are expecting.
gpt
But can’t you, gentlemen, for the sake of the long and honourable career of his father, as well as for my sake, and that of my daughter, give up all idea of having him arrested? It would be the death of me, I know; and I feel sure you have no wish to see that take place.
human
In that you only do us justice, Mrs. Sinclair; and if it be at all possible, you may rely upon our sparing your feelings, as we have no vindictive aims to gratify.
gpt
If it is the amount my misguided boy has robbed you of which is the difficulty, and its payment will prevent the prospect of harm coming to him, I will willingly realise everything I possess, even if it beggars me, in order that my son may be saved!
human
Don’t for a moment think of it, my dear madam; for under no circumstances should we accept the payment you speak of, as that would be to compound a felony. We either prosecute or pardon.
gpt
Oh, let me, let me prevail upon you to decide now, at once!
human
Pray do not say anything more, Mrs. Sinclair, but leave the matter where it is; and trust us, that in whatever we decide we shall endeavour to do that which is right and best for all parties.