She disappeared from the window, and a minute later came rushing out of the front door and down to where Franklin and the two men stood.
"Now what has he done, Jane?" demanded Mr. Mace once more.
"He has broken open my jewelry casket and taken two of my rings," gasped Mrs. Mace. She was all out of breath from her run down the stairs.
"I did not touch the casket," replied Franklin. "When I came into the room I found a diamond ring and a bracelet on the floor, and I placed them on the table; that was all."
"Humph! That's an odd story," muttered Mr. John Mace. "My wife is not in the habit of letting her jewels lie around so loosely."
"I can't help it," said Franklin, doggedly. "I have told you the truth of the matter."
"It isn't so," screamed Mrs. Mace, growing more excited every minute. "He took those two rings, I feel sure of it. John, send for a policeman at once and have him arrested."
