"I know the thief now.

Lads, the money was stolen." Then he went away, leaving us very much troubled, and wondering what he could mean.

In about an hour we found out; for by that time it was all over the village that Father Peter had been arrested for stealing a great sum of money from the astrologer.

Everybody's tongue was loose and going.

Many said it was not in Father Peter's character and must be a mistake; but the others shook their heads and said misery and want could drive a suffering man to almost anything.