“Of course you deny it,” said Colonel Ross, “but I think it entirely likely that the stolen bonds are at this very moment hidden beneath this roof.”


CHAPTER XXXVII — SEARCHING THE COTTAGE

“Colonel Ross, your suspicions are very insulting and entirely unwarranted,” said the Widow Gilbert, with a flush on her usually pale cheek.

“Of course I knew you would not believe anything against your son, whom you believe to be a model,” said Colonel Ross, with a sneer.

“So he is—a model!” said the widow, warmly.

“Then all I can say is that there is a strong reason to suspect that this model son of yours is a thief.”

“I deny it.”

“I notice, however, that you are afraid to have the house searched.”

“I have never expressed any unwillingness.”