"And it is not only me, but I have often heard the Major say he could
always depend on Conrade's word."

Rachel's next endeavour was at gentle argument. "It must be dreadful
to make such a discovery, but it was far worse to let deceit go on
undetected; and if only they were firm--" At that moment she beheld
two knickerbocker boys prancing on the lawn.

"Didn't you lock the door? Has he broken out? How audacious!"

"I let him come out," said Fanny; "there was nothing to shut him up
for. I beg your pardon, dear Rachel; I am very sony for the poor
little birds and for Grace, but I am sure Conrade did not take it."

"How can you be so unreasonable, Fanny--the evidence," and Rachel
went over it all again.

"Don't you think," said Fanny, "that some boy may have got into the
park?"

"My dear Fanny, I am sorry for you, it is quite out of the question
to think so; the place is not a stone's-throw from Randall's lodge.
It will be the most fatal thing in the world to let your weakness be
imposed on in this way. Now that the case is clear, the boy must be
forced to confession, and severely punished."

Fanny burst into tears.

"I am very sorry for you, Fanny. I know it is very painful; I assure
you it is so to me. Perhaps it would be best if I were to lock him