He evaded the answer!

“Yes or no, please. Have you, or have you not, those same identical bonds?”

“Yes; I have. But——”

“And to whom do those bonds belong, by rights?” She was still pale, but resolute.

“To me, certainly.”

“To you, Mr. Colwell?” She smiled. And in her smile were a thousand feelings; but not mirth.

“Yes, Mrs. Hunt, to me.”

“And do you propose to keep them?”

“I certainly do.”

“Not even if I pay 96½ will you give them to me?”