From the library came the hum of voices. The harsh tones of Hurd Applegate occasionally rose above the murmur of conversation and finally the boys heard Mr. Robinson’s voice rise sharply.
“I didn’t do it! I tell you I didn’t take that money!”
“Then where did you get the nine hundred you paid on that note?” demanded Mr. Applegate.
Silence.
“Where did you get it?”
“I’m not at liberty to tell you or anyone else.”
“Why not?”
“I got the money honestly-that’s all I can say about it.”
“Oh, ho!” exclaimed Mr. Applegate. “You got the money honestly, yet you can’t tell me where it came from! A pretty story! If you got the money honestly you shouldn’t be ashamed to tell where it came from.”
“I’m not ashamed. I can only say again, I’m not at liberty to talk about it.”