act, I didn't know you had a trunk in which you kept
your bonds."

"Of course you deny it," said Colonel Ross, "but I think it entirely
likely that the stolen bonds are at this very moment hidden beneath this
roof."

CHAPTER XXXVII

SEARCHING THE COTTAGE

"Colonel Ross, your suspicions are very insulting and entirely
unwarranted," said the Widow Gilbert, with a flush on her usually pale
cheek.

"Of course I knew you would not believe anything against your son, whom
you believe to be a model," said Colonel Ross, with a sneer.

"So he is--a model!" said the widow, warmly.

"Then all I can say is that there is a strong reason to suspect that
this model son of yours is a thief."

"I deny it."

"I notice, however, that you are afraid to have the house searched."

"I have never expressed any unwillingness."

"Then I understand that you give your consent."

"I do."

"Very well. Then allow me to call in a party not interested, who will
attend to that duty."

Colonel Ross went to the outer door, and, opening it, called:

"Constable, you are wanted!"

At this summons a tall, stout man--Mr. Rogers, the village
constable--came forward, as it seemed, rather reluctantly.

"Constable," said Colonel Ross, "Mrs. Gilbert has given her consent to
have the house searched for the bonds which were abstracted from my
trunk last evening."

"Mr. Rogers," said Mrs. Gilbert, who knew the constable well, "Colonel
Ross has made a cruel and unwarranted charge against Harry. I hope you
don't believe he is a thief."

"I don't," said the constable, bluntly. "I've known your boy ever since
he was a baby, and I never knew him to do a mean thing."

"Constable," said Colonel Ross, angrily, "it does not become you to
screen the guilty or make excuses for him."

"It strikes me you're rather too fast, Colonel Ross, in making him out
guilty. What proof have you of it?"

"My son's word."

"Oh!" said the constable, expressively.

"You have only to do your duty and search the house, and I venture to
predict that the evidence will be forthcoming that will convince even
you."

"Mrs. Gilbert," said the constable, "I hope you'll excuse me for obeying
the Colonel. I have to do it, you know."

"Do your duty, Mr. Rogers. We are not afraid to have the house searched
from top to bottom."

"I don't want to disturb your things, Mrs. Gilbert. Suppose you go round
and open everything to us."

"