'"My son! Never call him my son again. I disown him--cast him off for
ever. George, George, this will kill me! I loved and trusted you so
much--would have given my life to save yours any day--and you have
disgraced my name and calling, and broken my heart.--But are you sure,
old man?" he cried, clutching Ralph by the shoulder; "sure that my
George did this horrible thing?"

'"For God's sake, sir, moderate your anger. Master George is very
young; he may never do the like again."

'"That is no answer to my question," cried the wretched father,
tightening his grasp upon the old man's arm. "I do not ask you to
palliate his guilt. It admits of no excuse. Did you see him do it? Tell
me that--tell me quickly. I am in no humour for trifling."

'"Ay, seeing is believing," said the old man, sullenly. "As your
reverence knows the worst, it is of no use hiding the details. I saw
Master George take the money."

'The Doctor groaned in anguish of spirit.

'"How--when--where did you see him do it? May you not have been
mistaken?"

'"Impossible, sir. I would not advance a thing of this nature without I
had positive proof. I repeat to you again, on my word of honour, on the
faith of a Christian, that I saw him do it. What more do you require?"

'"It is enough," sighed the miserable father, covering his face with