There was something in this speech which, despite Philip’s terror, attracted his attention. Temple spoke of being robbed of thousands of dollars, yet he was generally considered a poor outlaw. How could he have come into possession of so large a sum?
“Thousands of dollars!” repeated Philip, in undisguised amazement.
“Yes; what have you got to say about it?” demanded Temple, sharply.
“I thought you were poor,” Philip couldn’t help saying.
Temple paused a moment. He knew that the possession of so much money would excite surprise in others besides Philip, and he regretted his imprudence in speaking of thousands of dollars. As it was done, he must give some kind of an explanation.
“So I was poor; but a rich cousin in New York died lately, and left me a large legacy. Not having any safe to put it in,” he added, with a grim smile, “I concealed it in the wood, thinking it would be safe. When I saw you and that friend of yours prowling around this morning, it crossed my mind that it was in danger; but I didn’t think you were thieves.”
“We are not,” said Philip. “We know nothing about your tin box.”
“That’s all very well to say. What were you doing in the wood just now?”
“I only went there for a walk.”
“Of course,” said Temple, with a sneer. “It’s a pleasant place for a walk, and handy to your house.”