e information from Aunt Lucy, who, she felt sure,
was in Paul's confidence, she paid her a visit.

"Well, here's a pretty goings on," she commenced, abruptly. Finding that
Aunt Lucy manifested no curiosity on the subject, she continued, in a
significant tone, "Of course, YOU don't know anything about it."

"I can tell better when I know what you refer to," said the old lady
calmly.

"Oh, you are very ignorant all at once. I suppose you didn't know Paul
Prescott had run away?"

"I am not surprised," said the old lady, in the same quiet manner.

Mrs. Mudge had expected a show of astonishment, and this calmness
disconcerted her.

"You are not surprised!" she retorted. "I presume not, since you
knew all about it beforehand. That's why you were knitting him some
stockings. Deny it, if you dare."

"I have no disposition to deny it."

"You haven't!" exclaimed the questioner, almost struck dumb with this
audacity.

"No," said Aunt Lucy. "Why should I? There was no particular inducement
for him to stay here. Wherever he goes, I hope he will meet with good
friends and good treatment."

"As much as to say he didn't find them here. Is that what you mean?"

"I have no charges to bring."

"But I have," said Mrs. Mudge, her eyes lighting with malicious
satisfaction. "Last night you missed a ten-dollar gold piece, which you
saw was stolen from you. This morning it appears that Paul Prescott has
run away. I charge him with the theft."

"You do not, can not believe this," said the old lady, uneasily.

"Of course I do," returned Mrs. Mudge, triumphantly, perceiving her
advantage. "I have no doubt of it, and when we get the boy back, he
shall be made to confess it."

Aunt Lucy looked troubled, much to the gratification of Mrs. Mudge.
It was but for a short time, however. Rising from her seat, she stood
confronting Mrs. Mudge, and said quietly, but firmly, "I have no doubt,
Mrs. Mudge, you are capable of doing what you say. I would advise you,
however, to pause. You know, as well as I do, that Paul is incapable
of this theft. Even if he were wicked enough to form the idea, he would
have no need, since it was my intention to GIVE him this money. Who did
actually steal the gold, you PERHAPS know better than I. Should it be
necessary, I shall not hesitate to say so. I advise you not to render it
necessary."

The threat which lay in these words was understood. It came with the
force of a sudden blow to Mrs. Mudge, who had s