"That's bad."
"I know it is, sir; but I didn't take the letter; and I know mother came honestly by the money."
"I know she did, too," added the colonel. "When does this examination take place?"
"It was postponed till next Tuesday, at ten o'clock."
"Very well, Captain Bobtail. I know where your mother obtained the money."
"You, sir!" exclaimed Bobtail.
"I do; and I will be in Camden next Tuesday to tell all I know about it."
"Thank you, sir; you are very kind."
"Of course I shall not let your mother be convicted of stealing. I know nothing about the letter; and therefore I can do nothing for you, Captain Bobtail."
"If you clear my mother you will clear me. If we can only tell where the money came from, we shall be all right."