Mat Mogmore seemed to be slightly confused, which was
attributed to bashfulness, for his statements were as square as those
of his shipmates.

Ben Seaver, who appeared to be the only person that could solve the
mystery, had gone on a fishing voyage, and might not return for two
months or more. No one had seen him at the fire, when the money was
stolen; and it was not probable that he was the original thief,
whatever part he might have been employed to perform by the guilty
party.

Levi himself was then examined at great length. His statements,
covering the time from the fire down to the present moment, were clear
and positive. He knew nothing about the money; he had not given the bag
to Ben Seaver; had not spoken to him, except to pass the time of day
with him as an old acquaintance. When Dock and Mr. Fairfield declared
that Levi hated his uncle, Mrs. Fairfield disproved the statement by
adducing all the kind acts he had performed.

Squire Cleaves, for the defendant, then reviewed the testimony for and
against his client.

"It certainly has not been shown that Levi stole this money," said he.
"Nor has sufficient evidence been brought against him to render it
probable that he is guilty; not enough to justify your honor in
committing him for trial. This investigation has led us to follow the
bag from the captain's state-room to the hands of Ben Seaver. There we
are blocked, and can go no farther till this person's return from his
voyage. Mr. Watson proposes to charter a steamer, send her after the
fishing vessel, and bring back Ben Seaver. Then we can follow the bag
until it leads us to the feet of a conspiracy against my client."

"It is not necessary to send any steamer after the witness," said the
justice. "The only evidence, in this long examination, which has been
brought against the prisoner, is, that the bag was found in his
state-room. It has been shown, conclusively, that he did not place it
there, and probably did not cause it to be placed there. The defendant
is discharged." And Squire Saunders rose from his seat at the table.

The decision, though it had not been unexpected, caused a decided
sensation in the little audience assembled in the miser's chamber. Dock
Vincent was mad, Mr. Fairfield was in despair, and the constable was
disappointed. The victim had escaped, and the miser had obtained no
clew to the lost treasure. The justice took possession of the bag and
its contents, to be used when Ben Sea