"If he isn't the thief, what motive could he have had in accusing an innocent person?"
"Perhaps it is some one who has a grudge against me."
"It must be an awful grudge to induce him to lay such a plot as that against you. Do you suspect anyone?"
"I'd rather not mention any names," said Al.
Here an old farmer, one of the three or four who had removed their masks, stepped forward.
"Don't let this here boy fule yer," he said. "I b'lieve he's one o' the gang. Mark my word, it'll turn aout so."
"You think so, do you, Mr. Chadwick?" said Al, quietly, looking the old man full in the face.
"Yeou know me, dew yeou?"
"Yes, and you ought to know me. Have you forgotten Allen Allston?"
The farmer gasped for breath.