“Yes, a hundred dollars’ reward,” said the squire. “Do you know anything about it?”
“I do,” said Harry, promptly.
Squire Turner was taken by surprise. What could Harry know about the fire and its origin? He himself knew all about it; but of course that knowledge was locked up in his own breast. In offering the reward he felt sure that it would not be claimed, and, under the circumstances, he felt that it was well to offer it. It would impress the fire company favorably, as showing his determination to ferret out the secret incendiary, and therefore he had forwarded a handbill containing a copy of his offer to the office of the Phœnix Mutual, together with his claim for the amount of insurance money.
Harry’s prompt answer led to a suspicion in the squire’s mind that our hero was trying to get the reward on false pretences.
“The money will only be given for positive information leading to the discovery of the incendiary,” he said, coldly.
“I can give you such information,” said Harry, with the same promptness as before.
“Perhaps,” said the squire, with a sneer, “you can tell who set the house on fire.”
“I can,” said Harry, distinctly.
“Who did it?” asked the squire, beginning to feel nervous.