She paid not the slightest attention.

“See here, Rachel,” he said, somewhat wildly, “she admits she got twenty-seven pound from Torrance this morning. She had the key o’ the drawer all the time I was here my lone. As you and the boy can swear I never passed to the house. When I checked the cash in her presence, I found her five pound short. . . . And she won’t say what’s become o’ it.”

“Tell him,” cried Miss Corrie. “Speak!”

“What’s the use?” said the girl, and there was a pause.

“Were ye up the stair at your dinner-time?” he demanded.

No answer.

“Ay; I heard her,” said her aunt.

“Then it’s my duty to—to make a search,” he said in a thick voice.

“Get the police,” said Kitty. “They’re honest.”

He all but lost control then. “Up to your room!” he roared. “Rachel, you maun come likewise.”