"Only this morning, but it may have been taken a month ago."
"This box has been in our possession for a fortnight."
"Such is your statement, Luke."
"It is the truth," said Luke, flushing with indignation.
"My boy," said Mr. Beane, "don't be angry. I, for one, have no suspicion that you have done anything wrong, but it is our duty to inquire into this matter."
"Who told you that we had such a box, Mr. Beane?"
"Miss Melinda Sprague was the informant."
"I thought so, mother," said Luke. "She is a prying old maid, and it is just like her."
"Miss Sprague only did her duty," said the squire. "But we are losing time. We require you to produce the box."
"I will get it, gentlemen," said the widow, calmly.