"Why did you lend Fred the money he sent the girl?"

"For one thing, because he was my friend," Featherstone answered with a
flush. "Then I knew into what straits the need of money can drive a
young man. I got into trouble myself some years ago."

Hulton nodded. "Thank you. You helped him out. You have no ground to
think he was embarrassed by the need of money on the night he died?"

"I feel sure he was not. He kept me some time talking cheerfully about
a hunting trip we meant to make."

"Well," said Hulton quietly, "you're going to be surprised now. I did
not give my evidence as frankly as you claim to have done, but kept
something back. Mr. Percival was away for two or three weeks, and Fred
was the only person besides myself who knew the combination that opens
the safe. On the morning after we found him dead I examined the safe.
A number of bonds and a wad of small bills for wages had gone. It was
significant that Percival was due back next day."

Featherstone started, but his face was hot with scornful anger.

"That had no significance! I'd as soon suspect myself or my partner of
stealing the bonds, but the safe's being open throws a new light upon
the thing. Somebody you haven't thought of yet knew or found out the
combination."

"Then, in face of what you have heard, you do not believe my son fired
the shot that took his life?"