"I never did such a thing in my life, never!" shrieked Mrs. Mace. "Why, it's preposterous to think of such a thing!"
"Well, that is where it was," returned Franklin, stoutly.
"You took the rings, and that is all there is to it," replied the woman. "What did you do with them?"
"I said I hadn't them, Mrs. Mace," cried the young electrician, growing desperate.
"And I say you did. Search him, John!"
"You can search me if you please. I haven't got the rings."
"Maybe he threw them away when he found he was caught," suggested Mr. Mace. "It would be better for us to search around along the road in the snow."
The gentleman who had accompanied Mr. Mace, and who had thus far remained silent, now spoke up.
"I believe the young man is innocent, Jane," he said, quietly.
"What!" shrieked the woman. "Belden Brice! how can you say such a thing when I am sure—"
"Of what?"
"Sure he's the thief."
"You don't seem to prove it, Jane. The boy looks honest, and, excuse me for saying so, you are generally rather hasty in your judgments."
