Chapman understood the value of this, and went about the village showing
it as a proof that there was at least one man innocent, and that man was
himself. There, too, was the old story that had clung to him through
life--that he knew all about Kidd, his father having sailed with him on
the Spanish Main. And there was the expedition up the river, in which he
had played so prominent a part.
Chapman well understood the effect these things would have on the minds
of the ignorant and superstitious, and he turned them against Hanz with
such skill as to completely get the better of him. In short, he would
assert his innocence with so much plausibility that the simple-minded
settlers began to believe him the saint he set himself up for, and Hanz
the sinner who had got all their money.
Mattie heard this strange declaration made by Hanz against her father
with feelings of sorrow and surprise. She hung down her head and
remained silent for some time, for her mind was bewildered with strange
and exciting thoughts. Then, looking up, she said:
"Cheer up, don't be sad, Father Hanz.
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