My uncle returned home a miserable man. A great
and heinous sin had been committed. To suspect any of the members of
his household was a sin almost as great. What was to be done?
CHAPTER II.
'Dr. Leatrim's was not a spirit to brook delay. As stern as Brutus, like
Brutus he could be as unflinching in the performance of his duty. He
called Ralph into the study, and after carefully closing the door,
addressed him in a voice hoarse with emotion:
'"Ralph, the church has been entered, the poor's box opened, and money
to the amount of twenty pounds been abstracted. My dear old friend," he
continued, grasping his hand, "can you throw any light upon this
dreadful transaction?"
'The old man was as much agitated as his master. A deadly pallor
overspread his face, and tears came into his eyes. "The church entered!
money stolen to such a large amount! My dear sir, can it be possible?"
'"Only too true. But the thief, Ralph; who can be the thief? It must be
some one well acquainted with the premises, who could gain access to
the key, and must have known the secret of the lock. It is this which
distresses me--that fills my mind with the keenest anguish." He looked
hard at the old man--not a look of suspicion, but one of intense
inquiry, as if he depended upon his answer to solve his doubts.
'Ralph trembled visibly. His voice became a broken sob. "Oh, my dear,
my honoured master, you cannot surely suspect me, your old and faithful
servant?"
'"I would as soon suspect myself!"
'The old man continued, in a deprecating tone: "You know, your
reverence, that money is no object to me.
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