he said. "This man, I believe, is
John Barton."

"You are right, sir," responded Barton, calmly.

"I might have brought with me an officer and an order of arrest, but I
have chosen instead to offer to drop all action against you if you will
restore the bonds or their equivalent. I have no wish to be revenged,
but I want reparation."

"As I never took your bonds, I am not the person to apply to," replied
Barton.

"Then perhaps you will have the kindness to tell me who did take the
bonds," said Manning, incredulously.

"I will do that," responded Ralph Harding, coming forward. "There he
stands!"

"It is a lie!" interposed the squire, hoarsely.

"It is true. You hired me to put a five-hundred dollar bond into John
Barton's pocket while you appropriated the remainder. It was this that
enabled you to go into business for yourself in Lakeville. It was in
this way that you got together your wealth."

Albert Marlowe was overwhelmed, and did not immediately reply.

"I think I remember you," said Robert Manning. "It was your testimony
that weighed so heavily against Mr. Barton."

"And it has weighed heavily upon my conscience ever since. I have at
last determined to tell the truth."

"What have you to say to this, Mr. Marlowe?" asked Manning pointedly.

"It is a lie," answered the squire, feebly.

"You are willing to have the matter go to trial?"

"Albert," put in Uncle Jacob, "it appears to me that you are in a bad
box. Ralph Harding's testimony is sure to convict you. Will you take my
advice?"

"What is it?" asked the squire, sullenly.

"Accept the offer made to John Barton under a misapprehension. Repay to
Mr. Manning the value of the stolen bonds----"

"With interest attached," interposed Manning.

"And he will drop the matter. Am I right, Mr. Manning?"

"Yes, sir."

"It will amount to about double the original sum--say twelve thousand
dollars."

"I can't raise so large an amount in cash."

"You are worth more?"

"Yes; but not in ready money."

"I will advance it to you, and take a bill of sale of the factory and
your house," said Uncle Jacob.

All eyes were turned upon the old man in amazement.

"But where will you get the money?" gasped the squire.

"I can raise ten times that sum, if necessary."

"But I thought you were a poor man?"

"I never told you so. I said I had five hundred dollars; but I didn't
add that I am worth at least two hundred thousand dollars more. That was
my secre