"I remember it. I thought my father was wrong. Neal! Why, Sara, I'd as soon suspect myself."
"Well, I can only tell you the truth--that when I found cause to fear this desk had been surreptitiously opened, my doubts turned to Neal. You see, we have no one about us but him and Dorcas; and Dorcas I am certain is trustworthy. But I admit that it was in consequence of what you told me that I cast any doubt on Neal. However it may have been, I deemed it well to secure the desk afterwards."
She had been opening the desk as she spoke, and she took from it a sealed packet and handed it to Captain Davenal. He opened it at once; glanced over its contents, two or three papers, one by one, and slightly drew in his lips.
"What a shame!" he burst forth.
She did not like to ask questions. She only looked at him.
"That they should have bled my father in this manner. Scoundrels! I was away, therefore the game was in their own hands. Did you read these papers, Sara?"
"I was obliged to read them; to see that they tallied with copies that papa had left. He left written instructions that I should do so."
"To whom was this money paid?"
"To Mr. Alfred King. Don't you see the receipts?"
"I'd walk ten miles before breakfast any morning to see the fellow hung. It's what he'll come to."