"Then only Hamilton and Esterton have been alone for any time in your
room since you left the key in your cabinet?"

"Those are the only ones of whom I know anything. What others went in
during the day, of course, I know nothing about. It could n't have been
either Esterton or Hamilton."

"Not Esterton, no."

"And Hamilton is beyond suspicion."

"No servant is beyond suspicion."

"I would trust Hamilton anywhere," said Frank stoutly, "and with
anything."

"That 's noble of you, Frank, and I would have done the same, but we
must remember that we are not in the old days now. The negroes are
becoming less faithful and less contented, and more 's the pity, and a
deal more ambitious, although I have never had any unfaithfulness on the
part of Hamilton to complain of before."

"Then do not condemn him now."

"I shall not condemn any one until I have proof positive of his guilt or
such clear circumstantial evidence that my reason is satisfied."

"I do not believe that you will ever have that against old Hamilton."

"This spirit of trust does you credit, Frank, and I very much hope that