"Certainly—certainly, Mr. Sheriff. But this man—cannot you secure him for the night?"
"Oh, ay. But the child, sir. The boys wants your boat to go for her."
"Poor, poor Alice!" cried Alma, wringing her hands.
"John," said Elmer, "get the key for Mr. Jones. Jake, you and your father can go with the men, and, Mr. Jones, perhaps you had better wait with us, for we have a little matter of importance to settle, and we need you."
"Now," said Mr. Franklin, "I have one or two questions I wish to ask the man, and then, Mr. Jones, you will do us a favor if you will take him away.
"Lawrence Belford, as you value your soul, where did you obtain that will?"
If a bolt from the storm overhead had entered the room, it could not have produced a more startling impression than did this simple question. Mr. Denny dropped his crutch, and raised both hands in astonishment. Alma gave a half suppressed scream, and even the sheriff and John were amazed beyond expression.
The man in the chair made no reply, and presently the breathless silence was broken by the calm voice of the young man repeating his question.
"I found it in the leaves of a book in the old bookcase in the mill office."
"What?" cried Mr. Denny, leaning forward and steadying himself by the table. "My father's will! Did you find it? Release him, John. How can we ever thank you, Mr. Belford? It is the missing will——"