So saying, Elmer selected a photograph from those on the table and presented it to Mr. Denny.
The old gentleman looked at it carefully for a few moments, and then said with an air of conviction—
"It is a perfect fraud. I had no idea that the man was such a thief."
"Yes, sir. Look at that bare place where the plaster has fallen off. You can see the brick——"
"Oh, I can see. There is no need to explain the picture. Have you any more?"
"Yes, sir; quite a number. I'm glad I brought them with me."
Mr. Denny turned them over slowly, and commented briefly upon them.
"That's the house. Very well done, my boy. That's the mill. Excellent. I should know it at once. And—eh! what's that? The batting mill?"
"Yes, sir. That's the new building going up beyond the millpond."
"Great heavens! What an outrageous fraud! Mr. Belford told me it was nearly done. He has drawn almost all the money for it already, and according to this picture only one story is up. When was this picture taken?"