Fred was about to plead yet further for his friend, but the cashier checked him by saying:
"Another word in his behalf and I shall believe you know something of this very mysterious robbery. Will you go for the constable?"
"No, I won't move a step from this place until Mr. Wright comes back."
This show of friendship was not sufficient to save Sam from the ignominy of an arrest. The cashier had hardly ceased speaking when one of the miners made an attempt to enter the store, and the angry official sent him for the guardian of the peace.
"You'll have a chance to go back to Blacktown, and it may be that you will find the money on the way," he said, in a tone of irony.
Sam made no reply. Silent and motionless he awaited the coming of the officer.
CHAPTER XX
THE ACCUSED
Not for a moment did Fred believe it possible Sam had done anything dishonest in regard to the money, and yet it seemed very singular that he could have been robbed without knowing when the deed was committed.