From his vest pocket he took out a little parcel wrapped in a shop bill.
"What's that?" said Edward.
"I don't know. I wasn't aware that there was any such thing in my pocket."
"I suppose not," sneered Edward.
"But you seem to know more about it than Edward," remarked Mr. Wade, as he took the parcel.
"I know nothing about it."
The senior opened the wrapper, and to his surprise and sorrow found it contained two of the marked coins. But he was not disposed hastily to condemn Harry. He could not believe him capable of stealing; besides, there was something in Edward's manner which seemed to indicate that our hero was the victim of a conspiracy.
"As he has been so very generous towards me, Mr. Wake," interposed Edward, "I will suggest a means by which you may satisfy yourself. My mother keeps Harry's money for him, and perhaps, if you look it over, you will find more marked pieces."
"Mr. Wake, I'm innocent," protested Harry, when he had in some measure recovered from the first shock of the heavy blow. "I never stole a cent from anybody."
"I don't believe you ever did, Harry. But can you explain how this money happened to be in your pocket?"