"Never mind about that! Please stick to facts."
"Well, the bill disappeared."
"Admitted. Go on."
"The Barton boy was standing near the desk."
"Did you see him take it?"
"No; how could I? My back was turned."
"This is important. Then, so far as your knowledge goes, any other person may have taken the bill."
"Didn't I tell you that the boy was brazen enough to offer me the same bill in payment for some kerosene which I got for him?"
"You are very sure it was the same bill, are you, Mr. Jones?" asked Conway carelessly.
"Why, of course it was."