"Yes."
"Did such a person come to the house, Hannah?"
"I didn't see him; but he might have come to the wing door without me knowing it."
"I'll bet ten dollars he was the thief," said Ben.
Mrs. Oakley did not know what to say or think. Both Ben and Hannah stoutly denied the theft, and resisted the most liberal overtures to a confession. It might be the ill-looking man spoken of.
"What'll you give me if I find the paper, mother?" asked Ben. "I'll get on the track of the scamp, and get it if I can."
"I'll give fifty dollars," said his mother.
"But you offered a hundred a little while ago."
"I'll give you a hundred and twenty then."
"Promise me two hundred cash down, and I'll do my best."