"I couldn't, sir, at first, but I will say it now; but for pity's sake be merciful, sir. The thief was my own poor brother!"
"What! the boy who tends door?" asked Mr. Forbes in great astonishment.
"Yes, sir; poor Sam took it! He stole it for our mother!"
Mr. Forbes stared at him some time before he spoke again.
"And the girl," he asked finally. "Has Hardy been following her?"
"He has indeed," said Mr. Watkins quickly, "but I dare not report his actions; I have no proofs to offer. Hardy would doubtless deny all that she could say of him, for a girl is helpless in the hands of a villain like Hardy."
"I have found him a good detective," said Mr. Forbes, slowly, "but if you knew who took the money why didn't you tell him?"
"How could I, sir?"
Mr. Watkins had begun to tremble again.
"The knowledge of his sin is already killing my mother; if it becomes public she will die. I was waiting for you to come back to business."