"How can he confess," said the parson, "when he is gagged as daintily as a parson in a closet?"
They removed the gag, but not the cords.
"Gentlemen," said he, "if you are as ready to give me justice as I am to confess the truth in this matter, my part of the mystery will soon be cleared up and I can enjoy myself here with my uncle and aunt."
"Claiming kin again, Abraham," said Ruth. "Look out for your life next time."
"Strangle the hypocrite," said one.
"Give the impudent whelp a bath in the mill-pond," said another.
"No," said the parson, "let him confess."
"Gentlemen," said he, "I am innocent. If I stole the bag of money, why should I leave my saddlebags behind, with my name on them, and one side of which is full of money?"
The saddlebags were now examined by the crowd, and the stranger's statements found to be true.
"Then," said he, "why should I encumber myself this way? In fact, how could I? It would be impossible."