"What did they say?" asked Conrad eagerly.
"They seemed thunderstruck, and Mr. Lynx very politely thanked me for the help I had given them."
"Has Ben been bounced yet?"
"No; but doubtless he will be very soon. Cousin Hamilton doesn't want to think him a thief and gambler, but there seems no way of escaping from such a mass of proof."
"I should say not. Do you think she's told Ben? Does he look down in the mouth?" continued Conrad.
"I haven't seen him since."
When they met at the table Mrs. Hamilton's manner toward Ben was decidedly frigid, as Conrad and his mother saw, much to their satisfaction. Ben looked sober, but his appetite did not appear to be affected.
"Your course is about run, young man!" thought Mrs. Hill.
"I should like to see you after supper, Conrad," said Mrs. Hamilton. "Come into my sitting room."
"I wonder if she is going to give me Ben's place," thought Conrad, hardly knowing whether he wished it or not.