“And I know he would not take any money that did not belong to him. I mean a very different person—your nephew, James Smith.”
Socrates Smith frowned with anger. “There seems to be a conspiracy against my unfortunate nephew,” he said. “I don’t believe a word of your mean insinuations, and I am not deceived by your attempt to throw your own criminality upon him. It will not injure him in my eyes. Moreover, I shall be able to trace back the theft to the wrongdoer. The missing bill was marked with a cross upon the back, and should either of you attempt to pass it, your guilt will be made manifest. I advise you to restore it to me while there is yet time.”
“The bill was marked?” asked Wilkins, eagerly.
“Yes.”
“Then, sir, you may have a chance to find out who took it.”
“The discovery might not please you,” said Socrates, with a sneer.
“It would give me the greatest pleasure, Mr. Smith. If I can in any way help you discover the missing note, I will do so.”
“You can go,” said Socrates, abruptly.
When the two boys had left the presence of the principal, Ben Platt, said, “What are you going to do about it, Wilkins?”
“First of all,” answered Wilkins, promptly, “I am going to find out if Jim took that money.”