"I love a boy who has faith in his fellows, and thinks the best of them, no matter how circumstantial evidence may seem to blacken their characters.

And my son, if only you can find an explanation of this puzzle that will exonerate your young companion, I shall be very happy indeed.

A great load will have been removed from my poor old heart.

I would rather lose the entire twelve spoons than learn that Owen Dugdale were guilty." "Then you will not say a word of this to any one," he continued, "particularly Chief Wambold, who everybody knows has a great itching to shine as a wonderful sleuth, but makes himself only ridiculous whenever he tries to unearth any uncommon happening ?" "I gladly give you my promise to keep silent, Hugh," she assured him, holding out her withered hand, resplendant with lovely gems, diamonds, rubies and pearls, for like most French women, the Madame was more than commonly fond of jewelry.

"And from what you say, as well as your mentioning the boy's name before I spoke it, I assume that you know Owen Dugdale ?" "I have latterly become greatly interested in him, ma'am, and we have been much together," he told her simply.