Dean was almost inclined to ask himself if this could be the real explanation when the thought of his uncle's description of the robber occurred to him. But on this point he did not think it would do any good at present to speak.
"I wish," added the squire with a smile, "you had found both the sleeve buttons, as I would in that case have asked your acceptance of them."
"They are marked B," objected Dean.
"True; I did not think of that. Let me then ask your acceptance of a small reward," and Squire Bates drew from his pocket a silver dollar.
But Dean shrank back. He was convinced in spite of all that Squire Bates was the robber of Adin Dunham, and he didn't feel willing to accept any favor at his hands.
"Thank you," he answered, "but I don't care to make money."
"Perhaps you have all the money you want," said the squire, with a sneer which he did not quite succeed in repressing.
"Money is very scarce with all of us, Squire Bates," said Dean, gravely, "but I would rather earn what I get. If you will give me the button I will accept it."
"What good will it do you?" demanded the Squire, suspiciously.
"Probably none at all. But if this tramp should be found, and proved to have the other button, it would be good evidence against him, wouldn't it?"