"So you've come, have you, you young thief?" said Silas, sternly, as Chester entered the store. "Ain't you ashamed of yourself?"

 

"No, I'm not," Chester answered, boldly. "I've done nothing to be ashamed of."

 

"Oh, you hardened young villain¹. Give me the money right off, or I'll send you to jail."

 

"I hear from Abel that the store was robbed last night, and I suppose from what you say that you suspect me."

 

"So I do."

 

"Then you are mistaken. I spent all last night at home as my mother can testify."

 

"Then how came your handkerchief here?" demanded Silas, triumphantly², holding up the article.

 

"It must have been brought here."

 

"Oho, you admit that, do you? I didn't know but you'd say it came here itself."

 

"No, I don't think it did."

 

"I thought you'd own up arter a while."

 

"I own up to nothing."

 

"Isn't the handkerchief yours?"

 

"Yes."

 

"Then you stay here while Abel goes for the constable³. You've got to be punished for such doin's. But I'll give ye one chance. Give me back the money you took—thirty-seven dollars and sixty cents—and I'll forgive ye, and won't have you sent to jail."

 

"That is a very kind offer, Mr. Tripp, and if I had taken the money I would accept it, and thank you. But I didn't take it."

 

"Go for the constable, Abel, and mind you hurry. You just stay where you are, Chester Rand. Don't you go for to run away."

 

Chester smiled. He felt that he had the key to the mystery, but he chose to defer⁴ throwing light upon it.

 

"On the way, Abel," said Chester, "please call at our house and ask my mother to come to the store."

 

"All right, Chester."

 

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