'I understan, Mrs. Costrell,' he said, speaking with great civility, 'as the cupboard where John put his money is a cupboard hon the stairs? Not in hany room, but hon the stairs? Yer'll kindly correck me if I say anythin wrong.'
Bessie nodded.
'Aye—top o' the stairs—right-'and side,' groaned John.
'An John locked it hisself, an tuk the key?' Saunders proceeded.
John plucked at his neck again, and, dumbly, held out the key.
'An there worn't nothin wrong wi the lock when yo opened it, John?'
'Nothin, Muster Saunders—I'll take my davy.'
Saunders ruminated. 'Theer's a cupboard there,' he said suddenly, raising his hand and pointing to the cupboard beside the fireplace. 'Is't anythin like the cupboard on th' stairs, John?'
'Aye, 'tis!' said John, startled and staring. 'Aye, 'tis, Muster
Saunders!'
Saunders rose.