“I don't want to believe it, Willis, heaven knows. But were not the bonds found in your room?”
“I admit it,” said Ford; “but how did they get there?”
“Did you not put them there?”
“Certainly not, mother. I thought you knew me better than that.”
“But who, then—” began his step-mother, looking bewildered.
“Who should it be but that boy?”
“Grant Thornton?”
“Yes.”
“Have you any proof of this?” asked the housekeeper, eagerly.
“I will tell you what I have found out. I learn that a boy called, on the day in question, at my room and asked to see me. Being told that I was out, he asked leave to go up and wait for me. As the servant had no suspicion, he was allowed to go up. I don't know how long he stayed; but no doubt he had the bonds with him and concealed them where they were found.”