"Then it's time you went home," the official finally said, in an angry tone. "You know so much about this thing that I don't believe it's safe to have you where there are many valuable things which might be stolen."
"If you think I'm a thief, why not send me to jail with Sam?"
"I shall suggest to Mr. Wright that you be arrested, and I fancy he'll follow my advice."
Fred walked out of the store knowing that several of the clerks had overheard the latter portion of the conversation, and believing those whom he met on the street already looked upon him as a thief.
"It can't be helped, my boy," his mother said. "You have the satisfaction of knowing the accusation is false, and that must suffice until the time when the whole affair is brought to light."
"I'm afraid that never will be. Everybody thinks Sam is lying, and if we should tell of the coal we discovered the folks would say for sure he stole the money."
During the remainder of the day Fred staid in the house, not so much as showing his face at the window, and shortly after sunset Bill called.
"I've found out who owns the land," he cried triumphantly.
"I wish we'd never walked across the mountain."
"Now don't be foolish, lad."