"It was the proceeds of his theft that enabled him to start in business, was it not?"
"You are right."
"I have one more question to ask. Will you accompany me to New York and testify to this, if needful?"
"But what will happen to me?" asked Harding, troubled.
"My uncle bade me promise you that we will do our utmost to prevent your coming to harm. As to Albert Marlowe, we shall demand a confession from him, or we shall have him arrested, and the whole matter investigated."
Ralph Harding paused for a brief space, and then said: "What are your plans if I agree to help you?"
"To start for New York to-night," answered Bert, promptly. "In New York I will take you to Uncle Jacob's office, and we will decide what to do next."
Harding hesitated a moment, then said: "I believe you will keep your promise, and I will put myself in your hands. I always liked your father better than Albert Marlowe, who is a very selfish man, and he has not kept his promise to me. I have reproached myself more than once for consenting to help Marlowe in his plot. It has never been out of my mind. I have been restless, unable to settle down anywhere, and have suffered punishment myself, though not as severe as has fallen upon your father. When I have made reparation, as I now have a chance to do, I shall be more contented in mind."
"Can you be ready to take the evening train with me?"
"Yes."