That night Captain Shivernock returned by the train from Portland.
CHAPTER XVI.
SATURDAY COVE.
Mr. Beardsley, the deputy sheriff, conducted Donald to the elegant mansion of Captain Patterdale. Perhaps no one who saw them walking together suspected that the boat-builder was charged with so gross a crime as stealing the tin box and its valuable contents. Some persons do not like to walk through the streets with sheriffs and policemen; but Donald was not of that sort, for in spite of all the evidence brought against him, he obstinately refused to believe that he was guilty. Even the fact that several notes and other papers had been found in the shop did not impair his belief in his own innocence. Captain Patterdale was in his library nervously awaiting the return of the officer, when they arrived.
"Don John, I hope you will come out of this all right," said he, as they entered.
"I have no doubt I shall, sir," replied Donald. "If I don't, it will be because I can't prove what is the truth."
Mr. Beardsley reported the result of the search, and handed the captain the four fifty-dollar bills with the papers.
"I have no doubt all these were in the tin box," said the nabob, sadly. "The bills are like those paid me by Hasbrook, and these notes are certainly mine. I don't ask you to commit yourself, Don John, but—"
"Commit myself!" exclaimed Donald, with a look of contempt, which, in this connection, was sublime. "I mean to speak the truth, whether I am committed or not."