"If you did, he ought to be the first one to give you the credit for the noble deed."
"There's the hitch."
"So I think," said my brother, shaking his head.
"Clarence, I know Buckland is honest and true," interposed Flora. "He is the best brother that ever was, and you mustn't think hard of him."
"Perhaps you know more about it than I do, Flora; but it looks bad for him. Why a man should give him a hundred dollars for saving his life, and then not be willing that he should mention his name, passes my comprehension."
"The gentleman had been drinking a little too much, and that was what made him fall into the water," I added, goaded on to reveal thus much by the doubts and suspicions of my brother.
"Well, that makes it a little more plausible," replied Clarence. "Was there no one present when the man fell overboard?"
"I shall not say any more about it, whether you believe it or not," I answered, rather indignantly. "I made a promise, and I intend to keep it."
"I am satisfied the young man is honest, Mr. Bradford," said the merchant.
"I know he is," added Emily, with an enthusiasm which was worth the testimony of all the others.