"I've heard of such a thing as men losing money to cheat their
creditors, or something of that sort," added the ferryman.

"Don't talk so, husband," said Mrs. Wilford, who, with Lawry, had
come out of the house when they heard the voice of the sheriff,
anxious to learn the result of the search.

"Don't you think that's mean, to accuse a man of cheating his
creditors, after you have stolen his money?" retorted Mr. Randall.

"What right have you to say I stole your money?" demanded Mr.
Wilford, with a show of intense indignation.

"Because you did."

"Can you prove it?"

"I think I can."

"No, you can't. I don't believe you lost any money. It's only a
trick to cheat the bank or your creditors."

"We shall see."

"Don't talk so, husband," repeated Mrs. Wilford.

"Keep still, wife. When a man hasn't done anything, it's hard to be
charged with stealing six thousand dollars. They can't prove anything."