"
She nodded triumphantly, and with an air of conscious importance
walked to the bank parlor.
Prince Duncan and his associates were sitting round a mahogany table.
Melinda made a formal curtsy and stood facing them.
"I understand, Miss Sprague, that you have something to
communicate to us in reference to the loss the bank has just
sustained," said the squire, clearing his throat.
"I thought it my duty to come and tell you all I knew, Squire
Duncan and gentlemen," said Melinda.
"Quite right, Miss Sprague. Now, what can you tell us?"
"The article lost was a tin box, was it not?"
"Yes."
"About so long?" continued Miss Sprague, indicating a length
of about fifteen inches.
"Yes."
"What was there in it?"
"Government bonds."
"I know where there is such a box," said Miss Sprague, slowly.
"Where? Please be expeditious, Miss Sprague."
"A few days since I was calling on Mrs. Larkin--Luke's
mother--just happened in, as I may say, and, not finding her
downstairs, went up into her chamber. I don't think she heard
me, for when I entered the chamber and spoke to her she seemed
quite flustered. She was on her knees before an open trunk,
and in that trunk I saw the tin box.
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