me afterward that Newton, who was drunk at the time, had told her that the man with him was the one that was to help him to rob the bank, and that she had then ordered both of them out of the house.  I did not at any time know where the bank was located, nor did I ever seriously entertain the idea of his attempting anything of the kind; but when I heard of the robbery of the Geneva bank, I at once suspected my brother, and although humiliated deeply at the thought, I could not take any step that would tend to bring disgrace and ruin upon my own family.”

Without entering into the question of family honor, William inquired: 

“Do you know the man who was with him at your house, and who was to assist in this robbery?”

“No,” answered Mr. Edwards.  “I never heard his name, and all that I ever knew of him was that he came from Denver, Colorado.”

“Can you describe him?” asked William.

“Yes, I think I can,” said Mr. Edwards, and he then gave a description of the man, which agreed perfectly with that of Edwards’ companion on the day of the robbery.

Having now obtained all the information that was possible to be gained from this source, William returned to the agency, and entered the room where Edwards was confined.  He found the young man sitting with his face buried in his hands and evidently in sore distress.

“Mr. Edwards,” said William in his quick, imperious manner, “I have just had an interview with your brother and sister, who have told me all they know about this matter.  You will readily see what little hope there is left for you if you persist in keeping from us the information which we desire.  Whether you confess or not will make but little difference to us now, as sooner or later your associates will be caught, and your refusal to help us will only make it the harder for you.  If you don’t confess, Eugene Pearson will.”

As William uttered this last sentence Edwards started to his feet, and exclaimed: 

“My God, you know more than I thought!  I will tell what I know.”

At last we had succeeded in breaking him down, and there was a gleam of satisfaction in William’s eyes as he requested the presence of Mr. Warner and my son Robert, while the story was being told.

CHAPTER XII.

The Confession of Newton Edwards—­The foul Plot fully Explained—­Eugene Pearson’s Guilt clearly Proven—­A Story of Temptation and Crime.

The confession of Newton Edwards revealed a history of undiscovered crime that had been carried on for years.  Beginning at first in wild and extravagant conduct, which consumed the liberal salary which he received, and then led to the incurring of debts which became pressing and impossible of payment by legitimate means; then followed a thirst for gambling, in which large returns were promised for small investments, and failing in this, came the temptation to crime and his consequent ruin.