"What?"
"That my uncle took that money himself?" I burst out.
"I don't say he did, but it may be so," said Mr. Ranson slowly. "He has your money in trust. The letter to Hannock says he does not as yet dare to touch the money in his charge. With you in prison he could do as he pleased. Do you follow me?"
"I do; and it's as plain as day. But I never thought my uncle was such a villain!"
"I do not say he is; but it looks so. Who would have thought him in league with Hannock?"
"No one in New York surely," said I.
I could not help but think what a sensation my uncle's arrest would produce. How Mr. Banker would stare when he heard of it! I was sorry for my aunt's sake, but Mr. Stillwell had brought it upon himself.
Then I wondered if I would be able to clear myself. One thing gave me not a little comfort. It was Mr. Ranson's words:
"Remember, they have got to prove you guilty. Until that is done every man is considered innocent."
Yet this did not entirely satisfy me. I wanted to prove that I had not taken the money. If I did not I was sure there would be some who would always look down upon me.