"That is undoubtedly true," said her employer; "but till the matter is ascertained beyond a doubt I will retain the money." "How can there be any doubt?" asked the housekeeper, discontented. "I do not think there is; but I will tell you now. You claim that your bonds were marked by certain numbers, two of which belong to those which were bought by Mr. Ford at the office to-day?" "Yes, sir." "Meanwhile, you and your stepson have had time to compare notes, and you have had a chance to learn his numbers." Mrs. Estabrook turned livid. "I didn't expect to have such a charge brought against me, Mr. Reynolds, and by you," she said, her voice trembling with passion. "I have brought no such charge, Mrs. Estabrook. I have only explained how there may be doubt of your claim to the money." "I thought you knew me better, sir." "I think I do, and I also think I know Grant better than to think him capable of abstracting your bonds. Yet you have had no hesitation in bringing this serious charge against him." "That is different, sir." "Pardon me, I can see no difference. He has the same right that you have to be considered innocent till he is proved to be guilty." "You must admit, sir," said Willis Ford, "that appearances are very much against Grant." "I admit nothing, at present; for the affair seems to be complicated. Perhaps, Mr. Ford, you can offer some suggestion that will throw light upon the mystery." "I don't think it very mysterious, sir. My mother kept her bonds in the upper drawer of her bureau. This boy had the run of the house. What was to prevent his entering my mother's room, opening the drawer, and taking anything he found of value?" "What was to prevent some one else doing it, Mr. Ford--myself, for example?" "Of course that is different, Mr. Reynolds." "Well, I don't know. I am honest, and so, I believe, is Grant."