"I'll do the best I can. This morning," he added, "I didn't see how I was going to get the money. My mother wouldn't look upon it as we do, as a debt of honor; but since then I've been lucky enough to get possession of one of her secrets, and I think it will help me."
"Glad of it," said Winchester, "for your sake. I don't care, of course, how you get the money, as long as you do get it. That's the main thing, you know."
"Yes, I see."
"Now what do you say to another little game of billiards?"
"I can't stake any more money. I've lost enough," said Ben, sensibly.
"Then let it be a friendly game—just a little trial of skill, that's all."
To this Ben was not averse, and the two made their way as so often before to the billiard saloon.
In the mean time Mrs. Oakley returned home from her afternoon visit. She had not yet missed her keys, but on going up to her chamber, discovered them lying upon the table.
"How terribly careless I have been!" she said. "I hope they have not been seen."
Tolerably sure of this, she opened the upper bureau-drawer, and looked for the portemonnaie. It was in the same place. She opened it, and found it empty. Her eyes flashed with indignation.