“You needn’t think I am rich; but Harry owns those bonds, and they are the reward of his own good conduct. Would you like to hear how he came by them?”
“Yes, ma’am, if you don’t mind telling me.”
“I don’t mind telling you, though I didn’t choose to tell the Colonel.”
Whereupon, Mrs. Gilbert related the story of the tin box secreted in the wood, and how, through Harry’s prompt action, those who had purloined it had been brought to justice.
“You’ve got a smart boy, Mrs. Gilbert,” said the constable, admiringly. “I couldn’t have done as well myself. There won’t be any difficulty in clearing Harry now.”
“What would you advise, Mr. Rogers?”
“Nothing at present; but if we find it necessary to-morrow, we can get that lawyer’s testimony, which will certainly clear Harry of this charge.”
CHAPTER XXXIX — HOW CONGREVE SUCCEEDED
Philip would not have felt flattered if he had been able to read the thoughts of his friend James Congreve, when the latter was riding away from the village where he had been boarding, toward the great city.