“It is evident,” he said, “that your stepfather’s unprincipled relative intends to plunder him, and spread the proceeds of the robbery abroad.”
“Is there any way in which he can be stopped?” asked Ben anxiously.
“Yes, he can be arrested on Mr. Winter’s affidavit that he believes he intends to go abroad with property not rightfully his own. Have you any idea how much of your stepfather’s money he has secured?”
“Mr. Winter, besides his farm, had about five thousand dollars in cash. I think he has managed to get nearly all this into his hands.”
“The loss of this money would nearly kill Jacob Winter.”
“My mother writes that he has very much aged of late.”
“I have noticed that, but of course I did not know the reason.”
“Then you did not know of his speculations?”
“No; he has been very secret about them.”
“Have you seen this young Ezra Winter?”