Janet was the first to see her brother's signature, and she pointed to it with a cry.
It was the missing I O U.
"I always said it would turn up," said Stephen gently.
"But it's too late," said Janet hoarsely, "too late! too late! Oh! why didn't George believe in me!"
"He will believe now."
"It doesn't matter what he believes now. Why didn't he know I had not burnt it?"
"I believed in you," said De Rivaz, his voice shaking. "I knew you had not burnt it, though I saw you burning papers. Though I saw you with my own eyes, I did not believe."
There was a moment's pause. Her three faithful friends looked at Janet.
"I burnt nothing," she said.