The old man sank back into the chair and buried his face in his hands.
"If you are willing to change your testimony," young Fraser-Freer went
on to me, "I shall at once confess to the police that it was I who--who
murdered my brother. They suspect me. They know that late last Thursday
afternoon I purchased a revolver, for which, they believe, at the last
moment I substituted the knife. They know that I was in debt to him;
that we had quarreled about money matters; that by his death I, and I
alone, could profit."
He broke off suddenly and came toward me, holding out his arms with a
pleading gesture I can never forget.
"Do this for me!" he cried. "Let me confess! Let me end this whole
horrible business here and now."
Surely no man had ever to answer such an appeal before.
"Why?" I found myself saying, and over and over I repeated it--"Why?
Why?"
The lieutenant faced me, and I hope never again to see such a look in a
man's eyes.
"I loved him!" he cried. "That is why. For his honor, for the honor of
our family, I am making this request of you. Believe me, it is not easy.
I can tell you no more than that. You knew my brother?"
"Slightly."
"Then, for his sake--do this thing I ask."
"But--murder--"
"You heard the sounds of a struggle. I shall say that we quarreled--that
I struck in self-defense." He turned to his father. "It will mean only
a few years in prison--I can bear that!" he cried. "For the honor of our
name!"
The old man groaned, but did not raise his head. The boy walked back
and forth over my faded carpet like a lion caged. I stood wondering what
answer I should make.
"I know what you are thinking," said the lieutenant. "You can not credit
your ears. But you have heard correctly. And now--as you might put
it--it is up to you. I have been in your country." He smiled pitifully.
"I think I know you Americans. You are not the sort to refuse a man when
he is sore beset--as I am."
I looked from him to the general and back again.
"I must think this over," I answered, my mind going at once to Colonel
Hughes. "Later--say to-morrow--you shall have my decision."
"To-morrow," said the boy, "we shall both be called before Inspector
Bray. I shall know your answer then--and I hope with all my heart it
will be yes."