mself as possessing over you, while even the possibility of a shadow
rests upon his name."

"The man who stole the bonds will be found," said Cicely.

And as if in echo to her words the parlor door opened, and a messenger
from the bank stepped briskly up to Mr. Stuyvesant.

"A note from Mr. Folger," said he, with a quick glance at Mr. Sylvester.

Mr. Stuyvesant took the paper handed him, read it hastily through, and
looked up with an air of some bewilderment.

"I can hardly believe it possible," cried he, "but Hopgood has
absconded."

"Hopgood absconded?"

"Yes; is not that the talk at the bank?" inquired Mr. Stuyvesant,
turning to the messenger.

"Yes sir. He has not been seen since yesterday afternoon when he left
before the bank was closed for the night. His wife says she thinks he
meant to run away, for before going, he came into the room where she
was, kissed her and then kissed the child; besides it seems that he took
with him some of his clothes."

"Humph! and I had as much confidence in that man--"

"As I have now," came from Mr. Sylvester as the door closed upon the
messenger. "If Hopgood has run away, it was from some generous but
mistaken idea of sacrificing himself to the safety of another whom he
may possibly believe guilty."

"No," rejoined Mr. Stuyvesant, "for here is a note from him that refutes
that supposition. It is addressed to me and runs thus:

"DEAR SIR.--I beg your pardon and that of Mr. Sylvester for
leaving my duties in this abrupt manner. But I have betrayed my
trust and am no longer worthy of confidence. I am a wretched
man and find it impossible to face those who have believed in
my honesty and discretion. If I can bring the money back, you
shall see me again, but if not, be kind to my wife and little
one, for the sake of the three years when I served the bank
faithfully.

"JOHN HOPGOOD."

"I don't understand it," cried Mr. Sylvester, "that looks--"

"As if he knew where the money was."

"I begin to hope," breathed Cicely.

Her father turned and surveyed her. "This puts a new aspect on matters,"
said he.

She glanced up beaming. "Oh, will you, do you say, that you think the
shadow of this crime has at last found the spot upon which it can
rightfully rest?"

"It would not be common sense in me to deny that it has most certainly
shifted its position."

With a radiant look at Cicely, Paula crossed to Mr. Stuyvesant's side,