The Tin Box, and What it Contained

"Yes, for I can get the coupons cashed at any bank or broker's office."

Almost mechanically, he began to draw out the bonds and count them. Buthis air of inattention was quickly replaced by a look of surprise andanxiety. He counted the bonds over again, more deliberately, but eachtime the number came short two.

"That's strange," he said, in a low tone.

"What is strange, pa?"

"Two bonds seem to be missing," said his father, in a tone of concern.

"I've got one, you know, in my hand."

"Yes, yes. I reckoned that."

"How large were they? Is it much of a loss?"

"One hundred dollars apiece, and each worth a hundred and fifteendollars, on account of the premium. Do you know anything about them?" and Colonel Ross fixed a piercing eye on his son.

"I, pa? How should I know anything about them? Why, I didn't knowexactly how they looked. When did you see them all last?"

"Last evening. I happened to count them then."

"They must have been taken from the trunk since then."

"Then I am almost sure I know how it happened," said Philip, suddenly, as if a light had dawned upon him.

"I should like to have you tell me, then."

"You remember, pa, you left the keys on the desk?"

"Yes; but there was no one here except you," and again the father hadsuspicion of his son.

"I hope you don't think I'd do such a thing as that?" said Philip, virtuously. "But I am afraid it is my fault, for I left the outside doorunlocked all night. Any one might have come in and stolen the bonds."

"That is true; but why didn't they take more, or all? You didn't see anyone round when you went to bed, did you?"

"Yes, I did," answered Philip, with well-feigned eagerness. "Just as Iwas going to bed, I went into the next room, where the trunk is, and, turning to look out of the window, I was quite startled to see HarryGilbert's face close to the window. The light shining through thedoorway was quite strong enough for him to see the trunk and keys lyingon your desk. It's as sure as can be that he took the bonds. You see, hecould slip in after I went upstairs, and there was nothing to prevent. He might have been lurking around when you were examining the bonds lastnight, and saw you place them back in the envelope."

"What is all this about?" asked Mrs. Ross, entering the room at thispoint.

It was explained to her, and she instantly adopted her son's view.

"Phil's hit the nail on the head, I do believe," she said. "I didn'tthink he was so sharp. Colonel Ross, I have no doubt the Gilbert boytook the bonds."

"Then, why didn't he take more?" asked Ross.

"Oh, he got frightened – thought he heard a noise, or perhaps he thoughtit would not be discovered so quick if he only took two. There arereasons enough."

Philip and Mrs. Ross assumed so confident a tone that Colonel Ross, though at first inclined to discredit the charge, ended by believing itvery probable.

"This thing must be attended to," he said. "What are you going to doabout it, pa?"

"I shall go before Justice Slocum, and get a warrant to search Widow

Gilbert's house. If I find anything, I shall have Harry arrested."

"Now, you're in a scrape, Harry Gilbert," said Philip to himself, exultantly.

"I guess I'll go along with you, pa," he said, aloud, "and see if James

Congreve has got back from the city."

CHAPTER XXXVI

HARRY IS CHARGED WITH THEFT

Philip called at the hotel, and inquired, with considerable confidence, if "Mr. Congreve" was in.

"He has not returned," answered the landlord.

"Then he won't be back to-night," said Philip, feeling considerablydisappointed.

"No; the last train is in."

"I wonder if he had any trouble in selling the bonds," thought Philip; but this thought was one to which he didn't think it prudent to giveexpression.

He walked home slowly, while Colonel Ross kept on his way to the modesthome of the Gilberts. We will precede him.

The little family was gathered in the plain sitting-room. There were butthree – Mrs. Gilbert, Harry and Uncle Obed.

The old man – to begin with the oldest first – was sitting in a rockingchair, with his hands folded in his lap, and an expression of placidcontentment on his face. He had reached the age when rest is agreeable, and was satisfied to sit through the evening, now watching Harry or hismother, and now occupied with thoughts of earlier days and distantscenes. He was thoroughly satisfied with the new home he had found, plain and humble though it was. Indeed, perhaps, for that very reason, it suited him better.

Mrs. Gilbert was sewing. She had time enough to sew for some of herneighbors, and in that way earned a moderate sum for herself, though, asthe family was now situated, she could have dispensed with it.

Harry was reading a "Life of Benjamin Franklin," which he had taken fromthe Sunday school library, and was evidently deeply interested in it.

"What are you reading, Harry?" asked the old man, after a while.

"Franklin's life, Uncle Obed."

"You couldn't read anything better. Old Ben is a good model for Americanboys. He was a great man."

"So he was, Uncle Obed; and he began poor, too."

"Sarten, sarten! Poor boys make the smartest men – that's myobservation."

"Then I've got one thing in my favor," said Harry, smiling.

"And you will succeed, too; I make no doubt of it. You've made a prettygood beginning already."