Now came the critical moment.
Ben thrust his hand into his pocket, appearing to search for his money, and, after a brief space, withdrew it in apparent dismay.
"I can't find my money," he said.
Mrs. Carter's face flushed, but she said nothing. She anticipated their suspicion, and was ashamed.
"Bradley," said Ben, "have you your money?"
Jake Bradley repeated the search, and he, too, expressed surprise.
"I had it when I went to bed," he added.
"What is it?" asked the woman slowly, turning to them a troubled face. "Have you lost anything?"
"I don't seem to find my money, ma'am," answered Bradley.
"Nor I mine," said Ben. "It's curious."