grey-headed old man have for slandering the son of his friend and
benefactor? I am so certain of his fidelity, that I know he would
rather bear the brand of shame than bring dishonour upon me and mine."

'"It is strange," mused George, unconsciously uttering his thoughts
aloud, and half repenting the harsh language he had used to the old
servant. "If he has not plotted this accusation against me to hide his
own guilt, he has made a grievous mistake."

'"It is no mistake!" cried Ralph indignantly. "I saw you take the
money. You can't persuade me out of my senses. I have borne an honest
character all my life. It is not a beardless boy that can rob me of it
in my old age."

'"It may be possible, Ralph, that you were mistaken," said Dr. Leatrim,
after a long and painful silence, in which he had been summing up the
evidence on both sides. "The boy's account of himself is very clear.
George, I will give you one trial more. If I find that crown piece in
the box, I will believe that Ralph is in error, that some villain
unknown to us has been the robber."

'"Most joyfully, dear father!" exclaimed George, springing from his
knees beside the Rector, and bringing him the box. "God will attest my
innocence, and prove to you that I have spoken the truth."

'A gleam of hope shot through the thick gloom that had gathered round
Dr. Leatrim. With a steady hand he unlocked the box. The crown piece
was not there!

'"Liar!" he cried, in a tone of mingled contempt and horror. "What have