Cook's virtuous indignation was beautiful to behold.
"It only shows how sensible Mary Sharp was to pack her box and take herself outside of such a place. And I'll do the same within the hour."
"So will I," said Betsy.
"Mr Sanford," I said, "all sorts of mother's things are missing, and I shouldn't be at all surprised if cook and Betsy have taken some of them."
"Me taken your mother's things!" screamed cook. I believe that if it had not been for Mr Sanford she would have scratched me.
"I think it not at all improbable," he agreed. "Is there a constable hereabouts?"
"There's one in the village." This was Harris, who seemed to have arrived at a sudden resolution to attack his late allies at every possible point, "Name of Parker."
"If you will be so good as to request Mr Parker's immediate attendance you shall have no reason to regret it, Mr Harris. Neither of you women will leave this house until the contents of your boxes have been examined in the presence of a policeman."
Cook looked uncomfortable as she met Mr Sanford's stern glance. And it was stern! Betsy began to cry.
"And what's more," added Harris, pointing at the Ogre, "I happen to know that there was money in Mrs Boyes's desk, and he knows it too."