“So he is, ma!” chimed in Alonzo, with heartiness.
“Ah! I have something to say to you, Alonzo,” said Mr. Carter, turning his keen glances upon the boy. “What became of that letter I gave to you to post just before I went away?”
“I put it in the letter-box,” said Alonzo nervously.
“Do you know what was in it?”
“No,” answered Alonzo, but he looked frightened.
“There were ten dollars in it. That letter never reached Phil, to whom it was addressed.”
“I—don't know anything about it,” faltered Alonzo.
“There are ways of finding out whether letters have been posted,” said Mr. Carter. “I might put a detective on the case.”
Alonzo turned pale, and looked much discomposed.
“Of what are you accusing my boy?” asked Mrs. Pitkin, ready to contend for her favorite. “So that boy has been telling lies about him, has he? and you believe scandalous stories about your own flesh and blood?”