“Our constable here, Sam Parsons. He is one of my best friends. But they sent a policeman over from Bayport to help him.”
“How did Parsons happen to search your premises for such evidence?”
Mr. Spaythe started to answer this question, but checked himself and remained silent. It was Toby who replied:
“After I was arrested, on a warrant sworn out by Mrs. Ritchie, her lawyer, a man named Kellogg, urged Parsons to search my house and yard. He did so, and found the box. Afterward Kellogg insisted on another search, and the papers were found.”
The governor looked grave.
“It is strong evidence,” said he, “and of the sort that convicts. Who stole the box, Mr. Spaythe?”
The banker started at the abrupt question.
“I—I haven’t an idea, sir.”
“Nor you, Toby?”
“No, sir. I’ve racked my brain many times in the attempt to guess; but I can’t suspect anyone, with justice.”