Deb began to cry again. Mr. Benton caught her arm roughly.
"I don't believe a word you say!" he exclaimed, in harsh tones. "It's only a plot to do me out of my rights! But it won't work, understand that, it won't work. Either you must produce the model, or else I'll have you arrested for fraud!"
CHAPTER X.
DRIVEN FROM HOME
Deb looked at Mr. Benton in horror. It was only after several seconds that she fully realized the terrible accusation which he had brought against her.
"A plot!" she faltered. "What do you mean?"
"Only this," continued Mr. Benton, "your brother has run away to escape trial, and he has taken the model with him. You have helped him to do this. But it won't work. I pay my way, and a bargain's a bargain. If I have to pay the thousand dollars, I'll have the model or I'll know the reason why."
"But how do you know Jack has run away?"
"If he hasn't, where is he?"
"He went to a job in the country yesterday morning and hasn't returned yet."