"How did you get the money?" asked Ralph.
And his chum grew more nervous.
"I had it given—I mean that I—— Why do you ask that?"
"I will tell you, Charlton," answered Ralph gravely. "I don't mean to tell any one else, though. You had no money at the beginning of this week, and now you can pay me ten shillings. Where did you get the money from? Did you take that five-pound note?"
For a moment the lad stood silently staring at Ralph. Then his pale face went crimson, and he burst out indignantly—
"What do you mean? Do you think that I stole it? Do you mean that I am a thief? You can't mean that, Rexworth! Did you ever catch me telling a lie?"
"Yes," said Ralph quietly. "I did once."
"When?" demanded Charlton.
And Ralph answered—