"What did he say?" repeated the sheriff.

"If my husband has been doing anything wrong, I'm sorry for it,"
replied Mrs. Wilford.

"Mr. Randall thinks he has taken his money," added the sheriff. "If
you can tell me what your husband just said, it might throw some
light on the matter."

"Oh, husband!" cried the poor wife, throwing herself into a chair
and weeping bitterly.

"Mr. Randall knows I haven't taken his money," protested the
ferryman stoutly.

"Don't cry, marm," said the sheriff, moved by the distress of the
afflicted wife. "Nothing has been proved yet, and for all I know,
your husband may be as honest as any man in Essex County."

"I've always been an honest man, and I always expect to be," added
the culprit. "I haven't got the money. If any of you think I have,
why don't you do something about it--not try to frighten my wife?"

Mr. Wilford was searched by the sheriff and constable, but the money
was not upon his person. The house was then carefully examined, but
with no different result.

"Do you know anything about this business, Lawry?" said the sheriff,
when the search was completed.