'Thank you,' said the father, warmly. 'I call that pardon.'
'Not that there is anything to forgive,' said Leonard, 'only it is odd that one cares for it more than—No, no, don't tell him that, but that I know it does not signify. It must not come between us, if this is to be the end; and it will make no difference. Nothing can do that but the finding my receipt. I see that book night and day before my eyes, with the very blot that I made in the top of my L.'
'You know they are searching the garden and fields, and advertising a reward, in case of its having been thrown away when rifled, or found to contain no valuables.'
'Yes!' and he rested on the word as though much lay behind.
'Do you think it contained anything worth keeping?'
'Only by one person.'
'Ha!' said the Doctor, with a start.
Instead of answering, Leonard leant down on the narrow bed on which he was seated, and shut in his face between his hands.
The Doctor waited, guessed, and grew impatient. 'You don't mean that fellow, Sam? Do you think he has it? I should like to throttle him, as sure as my name's Dick May!' (this in soliloquy between his teeth). 'Speak up, Leonard, if you have any suspicion.'
The lad lifted himself with grave resolution that gave him dignity. 'Dr. May,' he said, 'I know that what I say is safe with you, and it seems disrespectful to ask your word and honour beforehand, but I think it will be better for us both if you will give them not to make use of what I tell you. It weighs on me so, that I shall be saying it to the wrong person, unless I have it out with you. You promise me?'