Part 28 (1/2)
”Do you know anything about the box of bonds?” asked Mr. Wheeler, quickly.
”Yes, sir; I know where it is concealed.”
”Ha, that is important. Do you come from the parties that took them?”
Harry colored, and looked indignant.
”No, sir,” he answered, with emphasis.
Mr. Wheeler smiled.
”I was bringing no charge against you,” he said. ”I thought the guilty parties might have employed you as their agent--their innocent agent.
Now, tell me how you come to know anything about the matter.”
This Harry proceeded to do. As the story is already familiar to the reader, he shall be spared a repet.i.tion of it. It is needless to say that the lawyer listened with earnest attention.
”This is a curious story,” he said, ”but I see no reason to question its accuracy. I certainly hope it is true.”
”It is true, sir.”
”Of course, I imply no doubt of your word. Now, tell me, did you see distinctly the faces of the two men who were employed in concealing the box?”
”Yes, sir.”
”Should you know them again?”
”I should.”
”Did you recognize either?”
”Yes, sir.”
”Indeed!” exclaimed the lawyer, who did not expect an affirmative answer. ”Who was it?”
”Ralph Temple.”
”How did you know him?”
”He lives in a poor cabin just on the outskirts of the wood.”
”How long has he lived there?”
”About two years.”
”What is his reputation?”
”Very poor. No one knows how he makes his living, though at times he seems to have plenty of money.”
”Is he absent a part of his time?”