"Yes, we hope so; but Moth deserves a beating just the same for mixing up so much in our affairs," I answered.

"Nothing he attempts against us will succeed," Uncle Job answered, and believing what he said. For he was in all things a very religious man, and did not think it possible that the innocent could suffer wrong.

"What chance have you, Uncle Job, anyway, for we are all worried to death?" I exclaimed at last, my emotion overcoming me.

"The chance an innocent man always has"; saying which he looked into my eyes, as if to read there my inmost thoughts concerning him.

"We know you're innocent, we're sure you are," I answered; "but if they don't believe it and find you guilty?"

"How can I help that, save by telling the truth? There is no other way, for I can't make head or tail of it, and haven't a single witness. Nothing save my word and what men know of me."

"They know nothing but good of you, but who did take the money? You know, I'm sure."

"If I knew, I would say so; but I don't, and so can't accuse any one."

"Then who do you think took it?" I asked, standing up and facing him.

"What I think isn't of any account unless I know and can prove it, and that I can't do."