"
"This is a strange charge to bring against a man in my position.
Where is your proof?" demanded Duncan, attempting to bluster.
"I have Mr. Denton's evidence that he obtained two thousand-
dollar bonds of you."
"Very well, suppose I did sell him two such bonds?"
"They were among the bonds stolen."
"It is not true. They were bonds I have had for five years."
"Your denial is useless. The numbers betray you."
"You did not have the numbers of the bonds."
"So you think, but I have obtained them from an old book-
keeper of mine, now at the West. I sent a special messenger
out to obtain the list from him. Would you like to know who
the messenger was?"
"Who was it?"
"Luke Larkin."
"That boy!" exclaimed Duncan bitterly.
"Yes, that boy supplied me with the necessary proof. And now,
I have a word to say; I can send you to prison, but for the
sake of your family I would prefer to spare you. But the bonds
must be given up."
"I haven't them all in my possession."
"Then you must pay me the market price of those you have used.
The last one given to this man is safe."
"It will reduce me to poverty," said Prince Duncan in great agitation.
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