Calvin Parks stepped to the mantelpiece and lifted the lid of the teapot.
"I guess you made a mistake this time," he said cheerily; "where'll I look next?"
Miss Fidely turned very pale. "What—what do you mean?" she faltered.
Calvin handed her the teapot; it was empty.
"You forgot and put it somewheres else!" he said. "Anybody's liable to do that when they have a thing on their mind. I've done it myself time and again. How about a bureau drawer; what? We'll find it; don't you be scared!"
"No!" said Miss Fidely faintly. "No, sir! it was there. I counted it last night the last thing, and there ain't no one—my Lord! that tramp!"
"What tramp?"
"He came here this morning and asked for some breakfast. He seemed so poor and mis'able, and he told such a pitiful story, I went out to get him a drink of milk—he must have taken it. I remember, he was standin' over there when I come in, but I never mistrusted—"
Her voice failed, and she covered her eyes with her hands. Calvin Parks cast a rapid glance behind him, and ascertaining the position of the door, began to edge quietly toward it.
"Don't you fret!" he said soothingly. "I shall be round this way again some time; mebbe you'll find it some place when you least expect. I've known such things to happen, oftentimes."