dollars."

"That is false!" exclaimed Gilbert, indignantly. "I am surprised that
you should believe such a thing of your own son."

"Mrs. Crawford says she has proof," said the doctor, hesitating.

"Then what has he done with the money? I know that he has but
thirty-seven cents with him at this time, and he only left home
yesterday. If the money has really been taken, I think I know who took
it."

"Who?"

"Peter Cook. He looks mean enough for anything."

"What right have you to speak so of Peter?"

"Because I caught him stoning a cat this morning. He would have killed
the poor thing if I had not interfered. I consider that worse than
taking money."

"I--I don't know what to say. I can't agree to anything till I have
spoken with Mrs. Crawford. Did you say that Carl had but thirty seven
cents?"

"Yes, sir; I presume you don't want him to starve?"

"No, of course not. He is my son, though he has behaved badly. Here,
give him that!" and Dr. Crawford drew a ten-dollar bill from his wallet,