"
"Well?"
"And that in order to evade your own criminal responsibility in the
matter you intended to turn state's evidence."
"Well?" repeated Baker.
"It seemed inconceivable to me that a man of your social and business
standing would not only confess himself a petty criminal, but one who
shelters himself by betrayal of his confederate."
"I do not relish any such process," stated Baker formally, "and would
avoid it if possible. Nevertheless, if the situation comes squarely up
to me, I shall meet it."
"I suppose you have thought what decent men----"
Baker held up one hand. This was the first physical movement he had
made.
"Pardon me," he interrupted. "Let us understand, once and for all, that
I intend to defend myself when attacked. Personally I do not think that
either Mr. Welton or myself are legally answerable for what we have
done. I regret to observe that you, among others, think differently. If
the whole matter were to be dropped at this point, I should rest quite
content. But if the matter is not dropped"--at last he let his uplifted
hand fall, "if the matter is not dropped," he repeated, "my sense of
justice is strong enough to feel that every one should stand on the same
footing.
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