"That is how we all feel, but, with the utmost regret I am forced to bear witness that this exact sum and, I believe, the identical banknotes were found in Miss Thompson's desk—there."
"Five thousand pounds? What does this mean, Betty? How did that money get in your desk?"
"I—I don't know," the unhappy girl answered. Grimes looked at his watch again. "No use of any more talk," he said gruffly. "It's time to start and——" motioning to Betty, "you'll have to come with me."
"You don't mean——" Hiram's eyes burned savagely.
"I mean that these two women are under arrest, sir, charged with grand larceny, and I'm going to take 'em to London by the next train."
"But—I won't have it."
"Better not interfere, sir. I've men outside to help me, and—I'm going to take 'em. Come now." He caught Betty by the arm and marched her, half fainting, toward the door.
At this moment Hester Storm lifted her eyes, opened her lips, and spoke in a strange, low tone:
"Wait! You mustn't take her. She didn't steal the money. She had nothing to do with it. I stole the money. I put it in that desk. I'm the one to take."
"Hester!" cried Betty. "You—you put that money in my desk?" repeated Betty slowly.