While he was gone my thoughts were busy. Was my guardian the guilty party? and were the two strangers I had found at the mill his partners in the crime? It seemed more than likely.
The thought was a dismaying one, almost as disheartening to me at that instant as the fact that I was under arrest. The only relative I possessed in the world a criminal!
It was a bitter thought, and for the moment drove everything else from my mind. Meanwhile Pointer made a search of the mill and all the rooms without success.
“If there are any more of these stones here they’re well hidden,” he said. “Suppose we go to Squire Slocum’s office, and have these two put in charge, and then go after the men that helped on the burglary?”
This was considered good advice, and five minutes later the mill was locked up and we all started down the main road, Ford beside me, telling me to keep up my courage, that he was sure I was innocent, and that all would yet come right.
Half an hour later found us assembled in the squire’s office, and a brief hearing began.
I told my story “as straight as a string.” Mr. Norton tried to interrupt me a number of times, but Squire Slocum promptly shut him up, and I had a full hearing.
Then my guardian had his say. It was but little more than has been told. Squire Slocum touched several times on the fact that Mr. Norton had come to the mill under rather peculiar circumstances, to which that individual replied that that had nothing to do with the case.
“Perhaps not,” replied the squire coldly.
“But I want that matter investigated too,” I put in. “Squire Slocum, you were always a good friend to my father, and I don’t know whether this man is doing right or not according to law. I know he hasn’t acted as a fair and square guardian ought to do.”