“I want to speak to you about those bonds of yours. If you will only sell them out, and invest in Erie, I am sure you will make in six months a sum equal to several years interest.”
“That may be, Willis, but I am very timid about taking a risk. Those bonds represent all the property I have.”
Willis Ford's conscience pricked him a little, when he heard her speaking thus of the property he had so heartlessly stolen; but he did not show it in his manner.
“What is the date of your bonds, mother?” he asked.
“I don't know. Does that make any difference?”
“It makes some difference. Those that have longest to run are most valuable.”
“I can easily tell,” said the housekeeper, as she rose from her chair and opened the bureau drawer, in full confidence that the bonds were safe.
It was an exciting moment for Willis Ford, knowing the sad discovery that awaited her.
She put her hand in that part of the drawer where she supposed the bonds to be, and found nothing. A shade of anxiety overspread her face, and she searched hurriedly in other parts of the drawer.
“Don't you find them, mother?” asked Willis.