"I think the robber must have taken me out of the buggy, and set me down under the tree."
"After taking your thousand dollars?"
"Yes, it is hard that I should lose it. I was countin' on what I would do with it. I thought I would pay off the mortgage on my house."
"Who holds the mortgage?"
"Squire Bates."
Again Dean and Mr. Gould exchanged looks. Neither put any confidence in the story told by the victim.
Adin Dunham was invited to take a seat in the buggy, Dean resigning his place and sitting behind. So they reached home.
"Go in, Dean, and tell your aunt what has happened, so that she needn't be frightened when she sees your uncle," said Mr. Gould.
Dean obeyed instructions.
"Aunt," said Dean, "you are not to be frightened, but uncle met with an accident. He isn't hurt!" he added, noticing the quick look of alarm, "but he says he has been robbed."