I am afraid, though, Eric must have behaved very badly.

I know he struck his elder brother once.

Anyhow, things went on from bad to worse; and one day a dreadful thing happened.

A cheque of some value, I have forgotten the particulars, was stolen from Mr.Hamilton's desk, and the next day Eric disappeared.' 'Was he accused of taking it ?' 'To be sure.

Leah saw him with her own eyes.