'"I have no wish to conceal the fact," returned George.
'"It would be of little use his attempting to deny it," said Ralph, pointedly. "He came in and took the key of the box from the hook on which it always hangs."
'"I did not take the key of the box; in that, at least, you are under a strange delusion."
'"O Master George!" Ralph shook his head, and raised his hands in pious horror.
'"Where did he go, Ralph, when he left the study?" asked Dr. Leatrim.
'"I am not quite certain, sir. I think he went first into the garden, and then across the road into the churchyard. When he took down the key, he seemed very much confused. There was a look in his eyes which made me mistrust him, and I went to the window, which commands a view of the inside of the porch. If you come here, sir," continued Ralph, advancing to the window, "you will see everything as plainly as if you were there."
'"I know it."
'"Well, sir, I saw Master George take down the box, place it on the bench by the door, unlock it, and take out something. You may guess what that was, for he was some minutes examining the contents."
'George Leatrim turned very pale, and visibly trembled; but he never took his eyes from the old man's face.
'"George Leatrim," said the Doctor, "you are now at liberty to give your explanation of this extraordinary conduct. I charge you to answer truly the questions I put to you. I do not mean to condemn you unheard. What did you want in the study last Friday afternoon?"