The Missing Tin Box Part 25

"I know they do," returned Hal, significantly. "And they know more than that."

d.i.c.k Ferris grew almost white at these last words. He seemed about to say something in return, but suddenly changed his mind.

"Carson, this is a serious matter," said Saunders. "I hate to say much about it, but the stuff has been found here, and I don't see how I can do otherwise than look to you for that fourteen dollars."

"Mr. Saunders, I didn't take the things, and I don't know anything about your money."

"Easy enough to say, but----" and Saunders finished with a shrug of his shoulders.

"Of course, I can't prove what I say, but I can give you my word of honor that I am telling the truth."

"That's all very well, but it doesn't restore my money, which I can't afford to lose," replied Saunders, sharply.

Hal looked around in perplexity. What was he to do?

"I can't believe you guilty," said Mrs. Ricket. "But if you have the money you had better return it."

"Of course, he's got the money," put in Ferris, who had somewhat recovered from the effects of Hal's last words to him.

Hal picked up the newspaper which had been around the box and crumpled it nervously. Suddenly a peculiar look lit up his features.

"I guess I had better send for a policeman," said Saunders, after a moment of silence.

"Just wait a moment," said Hal.

"What for?"

"I wish to ask a few questions."

"Better see that he doesn't escape," suggested Ferris.

"Let that remark apply to Ferris as well as myself," said Hal.

Saunders walked to the door, and locked it, putting the key in his pocket.

"When did you miss your things?" asked Hal.

"About an hour ago."

"At five o'clock?"

"A little before. I got off early to visit my uncle in Nyack. But I can't go without my money."

"Were you home to dinner?"

"Yes."

"Did d.i.c.k Ferris come home?"

"No."

"When did your nephew come home?" asked Hal, turning to Mrs. Ricket.

"Don't answer him, aunt," cried Ferris. He was beginning to get alarmed again.

"What harm will it do?" questioned the woman. "If you are innocent, d.i.c.k, it won't matter."

"He wants to get me into trouble."

"Please answer my question," said Hal, decidedly.

"d.i.c.k came home about two o'clock."

"Has he been home ever since?"

"I believe so."

"Now, Mrs. Ricket, where were you all the afternoon?"

"Me?"

"Yes."

"I hope you don't suspect me!" cried the landlady, in alarm.

"No, I do not. But please answer me."

"After dinner I cleaned all the halls from top to bottom, and then saw to it that Katie cleaned the front stoop and the windows."

"Then you were in the halls and around the front door most of the time?"

"I was."

"Did I come in at any time during the afternoon?"

"I didn't see you?"

"Wouldn't you have seen me if I had?"

"I suppose I would," admitted the woman.

"What does all this talk amount to?" put in Ferris.

"Shut up!" cried Hal, sharply. "I am not addressing you."

He turned to Saunders.

"You hear what Mrs. Ricket says. I was not here to steal your things."