“They were genuine, but—-”
“But what?”
“A lady claims that they belong to her—that they were stolen from her. Of course you can explain how they came into your hands?”
“They were given me by a party that owed me money. If he's played a trick on me, it will be the worse for him. Did you sell them?”
“Yes.”
“Then give me the money.”
“Mr. Reynolds won't let me.”
“Does he think I took the bonds?” asked Morrison, hastily.
“No, he doesn't,” answered Grant, proudly, “but he would like to have an interview with you, and make some inquiries, so that he may form some idea as to the person who did take them. They belonged to his housekeeper, Mrs. Estabrook, who is the stepmother of Mr. Ford, a young man employed in our office.”
Tom Calder and Jim Morrison exchanged glances. Grant's story agreed with Ford's, and tended to confirm their confidence in his good faith.