"
The directors looked at each other in surprise, and Squire
Duncan looked undeniably puzzled.
"I knew the box was one such as is used to hold valuable
papers and bonds," proceeded Melinda, "and, as I had always
looked on the widow as very poor, I didn't know what to make
of it."
"Did you question Mrs. Larkin about the tin box?" asked Mr. Beane.
"No; she shut the trunk at once, and I concluded she didn't
want me to see it."
"Then you did not say anything about it?"
"No; but I went in just now to tell her about the bank being robbed."
"How did it seem to affect her?" asked Mr. Bailey.
"She and Luke--Luke was there, too--looked at each other
in dismay. It was evident that they were thinking of the box
in the trunk."
Melinda continued her story, and the directors were somewhat impressed.
"I propose," said Mr. Manning, "that we get out a search-
warrant and search Mrs. Larkin's cottage. That box may be the
one missing from the bank."
CHAPTER XI
LUKE IS ARRESTED
Just after twelve o'clock, when Luke was at home eating dinner,
a knock was heard at the front door.
"I'll go, mother," said Luke, and he rose from the table, and,
going into the entry, opened the outer door.
Pages:
47
48
49
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71