I went into the study to ask your
permission to do so, as it was a present from you. I found Ralph Wilson
writing, as he says, and you absent. I took the key of the church--not
of the poor's box, as he affirms, for I could make my deposit without
that--and went into the garden, hoping to find you there. I then made
up my mind to put the piece into the box, as it was getting late. This
I did without taking down the box, a fact which that man knows as well
as I do. I returned to the study and replaced the large iron key. Ralph
was no longer there. This is the truth--the whole truth; so help me
God!"
'The lad, before so calm, now flung himself in an agony of tears at his
father's feet, and clasping his knees, cried out in piteous tones,
"Father, do you believe me?"
'The Doctor pushed him aside. "The evidence is too strong against you.
I wish I could."
'"Father, did I ever deceive you?"
'"Never, that I am conscious of, until now."
'"Did you ever detect me in an act of dishonesty?"
'"Never."
'"Then how can you condemn me? You will say, upon the evidence of this
_honest_ man. Am I not as worthy of belief as Ralph Wilson?"
'"His character is above suspicion."
'"So ought mine to be," said the lad proudly.
'"Ralph is incapable of falsehood. How dare you to insinuate that he
could be capable of such a crime? What inducement could that pious,
grey-headed old man have for slandering the son of his friend and
benefactor? I am so certain of his fidelity, that I know he would
rather bear the brand of shame than bring dishonour upon me and mine.
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