“They will some time be put on the market, and then we shall have a clew to the mystery.”
“That boy has probably got them,” said the housekeeper, nodding her head emphatically.
“You are at liberty to search my chamber, Mrs. Estabrook,” said Grant, quietly.
“He may have passed them over to that man Morrison,” suggested the housekeeper.
“I hardly think that likely,” said Willis Ford, who saw danger to himself in any persecution of Jim Morrison.
Mr. Reynolds noticed his defense of Morrison, and glanced at him thoughtfully.
“Mrs. Estabrook,” he said, “I am satisfied that you possessed the bonds which you claim, and I will relieve your mind by saying that I will guarantee you against loss by their disappearance. You need have no further anxiety on the subject. I will undertake to investigate the matter, which at present appears to be involved in mystery. Whether or not I succeed in solving it will not matter to you, since you are saved from loss.”
“Thank you, sir,” said the housekeeper, feeling considerably relieved; “it wasn't much, but it was my all. I depended upon it to use when old age prevented me from earning my living.”
“I am glad you are so wise in providing for the future.”
“You won't let that boy escape?” the housekeeper could not help adding.