you are saying?" blustered Ferris, taken
aback by this statement.

"I do."

"I won't have you talking to me in this fashion."

"Then you had better own up to what you have done," replied Hal, calmly.

"How could I get the things?" demanded Ferris. "The firm knows they were
there after I left."

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

Dick 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 Dick 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,
Dick, it won't matter."

"He wants to get me into trouble."

"Please