“Against you?” asked the housekeeper, alarmed at his tone.
“Yes,” answered the broker, sternly. “You have insinuated that I intend to shield a supposed thief. I have only to say that at present the theft is to be proved.”
“I submit, sir,” said Ford, “that the evidence is pretty strong. The boy is proved to have had the bonds in his possession, he admits that he sold a part of them and has the money in his possession, and a key is found in his possession which will open the drawer in which the bonds were kept.”
“Who put the key in my pocket?” demanded Grant, quickly.
For a moment Willis Ford looked confused, and his momentary confusion was not lost upon Grant or the banker.
“No doubt you put it there yourself,” he answered, sharply, after a monent's pause.
“That matter will be investigated,” said the broker.
“I think the money ought to be paid to me,” said the housekeeper.
“Can you prove your ownership of the bonds?” asked the broker.
“I can,” answered Willis Ford, flippantly. “I have seen them.”