“I admit nothing, at present; for the affair seems to be complicated. Perhaps, Mr. Ford, you can offer some suggestion that will throw light upon the mystery.”
“I don't think it very mysterious, sir. My mother kept her bonds in the upper drawer of her bureau. This boy had the run of the house. What was to prevent his entering my mother's room, opening the drawer, and taking anything he found of value?”
“What was to prevent some one else doing it, Mr. Ford—myself, for example?”
“Of course that is different, Mr. Reynolds.”
“Well, I don't know. I am honest, and so, I believe, is Grant.”
“Thank you, sir,” said Grant, gratefully.
“It just occurred to me,” said Ford, “to ask my mother if she has at any time lost or mislaid her keys.”
“Well thought of, Mr. Ford,” and Mr. Reynolds turned to his housekeeper for a reply.
“No,” answered Mrs. Estabrook. “I keep my keys in my pocket, and I have them there yet.”
So saying, she produced four keys attached to a ring.