charging
it on Master Carl. I saw Peter open your bureau drawer, take out the
wallet, and put it in his pocket."

"It's a lie!" said Mrs. Crawford, hoarsely.

"It's the truth, though I suppose you don't want to believe it. If you
want to know what he did with the money ask him how much he paid for the
gold ring he bought of the jeweler down at the village."

"You are a spy--a base, dishonorable spy!" cried Mrs. Crawford.

"I won't say what you are, ma'am, to bring false charges against Master
Carl, and I wonder the doctor will believe them."

"Leave the house directly, you hussy!" shrieked Mrs. Crawford.

"If I do, I wonder who'll get the dinner?" remarked Jane, not at all
disturbed.

"I won't stay here to be insulted," said the angry lady. "Dr. Crawford,
you might have spirit enough to defend your wife."

She flounced out of the room, not waiting for a reply, leaving the
doctor dazed and flurried.

"I hope, sir, you are convinced now that Carl did not take Mrs.
Crawford's money," said Gilbert. "I told you it was probably Peter."

"Are you sure of what you said, Jane?" asked the doctor.

"Yes, sir. I saw Peter take the wallet with my own eyes."

"It is his mother's money, and they must settle it between them I am
glad Carl did not take it. Really, this has been a very unpleasant
scene."

"I am sorry for my part in it. Carl is my friend, and I feel that I
ought to stand up for his rights," remarked Gilbert.

"Certainly, certainly, that is right. But you see how I am placed."

"I see that this is no place for Carl. If you will allow me, I will send
an expressman for the trunk, and take it with me to the station."

"Yes, I see no objection. I--I would invite you to dinner, but Mrs.
Crawford seems to be suffering from a nervous attack, and it might not
be pleasant."

"I agree with you, sir."

Just then Peter entered the room, and looked at Gilbert with surprise
and wrath, remembering his recent discomfiture at the hands of the young
visitor.

"My stepson, Peter," announced Dr. Crawford.

"Peter and I have met before," said Gilbert, smiling.

"What are you here for?" asked Peter, rudely.

"Not to see you," answered Gilbert, turning from him.

"My mother'll have something to say to you," went on Peter,
significantly.

"She will have something to say to you," retorted Gilbert. "She has
found out who stole her money."

Peter's face turned scarlet instantly, and he left the room hurriedly.

"Per