is head on his hand in deep thought.

"He must have had some object in getting this paper," he at length
answered. "It looks to me as though he had been bribed--been paid to
keep the matter a secret."

"That seems very probable," answered the doctor.

"Would Matthew's father have paid Mr. Simmons anything for such a
purpose?"

"No, indeed. He would be the last man imaginable to allow himself to be
fleeced in such a way."

"I thought so; but now, supposing our theory of the bribing is the
correct one, how and where could the boys have got the money to pay
him?"

"They couldn't have got it at home."

"Do you feel sure of that?"

"I am almost certain."

"Mr. Simmons could have brought a strong pressure to bear upon them."

"However strong, Mr. De Vere would never have paid one cent. But he
would have punished Matthew unmercifully."

"You have never known of his being punished?"

"No."

"Would any one outside of the family probably have known it?"

"I think so."

A theory concerning this matter had suggested itself to Fred, and he was
working it out like a young logician.

"Suppose," he continued, "Mr. Simmons should have forced the boys to do
something toward paying him, and Matthew dare not speak to his father
and mother about it, what would have been the result?"

"I can hardly imagine," returned the doctor.

"I think they would have got it from some other source by some other
means," said Nellie.

Fred's face brightened. This was the answer that seemed natural to him,
and he was pleased that Nellie should be the one to give it.

"That is my idea," he replied.

"Why, Fred, you talk exactly like a lawyer," remarked Mrs. Dutton.

"Oh, I don't know about that," he laughed, "but this paper has
strengthened a suspicion that I have had for a little time--strengthened
it so much that I feel almost convinced I am right since hearing what
the doctor says about this matter."

XXXII.

"What is your theory, Fred?" asked Dr. Dutton, with interest.

"I think I may as well take you all into my confidence," answered our
hero.

"And why not?" replied the doctor.

"Of course you will, Fred," said Nellie.

"Yes, I think you can help me in working up the case."

"We will surely do all we can," said Dr. Dutton. "But what is the nature
of your suspicion?"

"It is so grave a matter I hate to breathe it to any one till I have
further proof, therefore I must ask you all to keep it strictly
confid