"By the way, Sally, have you seen a stray paper about the floor in my room?" asked Wolverton, with assumed carelessness.
"What sort of a paper was it?"
"It was a—a receipt," answered her brother, hesitating.
"What kind of a receipt—from whom?" asked Sally, who possessed her share of general curiosity.
"That isn't to the point. If you have seen such a paper, or picked it up, I shall feel relieved. I might have to pay the money over again if I don't find it."
This was misrepresenting the matter, but Wolverton did not think it expedient to give his sister a clew to so delicate a secret.
"No; I have seen no paper," she said shortly, not relishing his evasive reply. "Have you searched your desk?"
"Yes."
"And didn't find it?"
"No."