"I know that; I had it in the bank till Charles began to pester me, and then I drew it all out the very day I was taken sick."
"But it was safe in the bank."
"No, 'twan't. I was afraid Charles would forge a check and draw it."
"He wouldn't do such a thing as that."
"I hope he wouldn't, but I was afraid he would. This pocket-book was in that bureau drawer till Charles came to-night. He went there and tried to get it. I don't know but he would have got it if my nuss hadn't come in. He said he was coming again to-morrow morning, and would have the money; so I got up, and put the pocket-book under my pillow."
"Certainly he wouldn't take it away from you," I added, shocked at the old lady's story.
"I don't know's he would, but I was afraid on't."
"But you haven't forty thousand dollars here."
"There's the bonds, which will sell for all they cost me, and more too, besides the interest on 'em; and it would all come to over thirty thousand. Charles offers to give me a mortgage on his lands worth three times the amount, and pay me ten per cent. interest besides."
"Why don't you do it, then?"