"What do you know about what is and is not owing me?" screamed cook. "I know you were paid each month; and, what's more, I know you gave a receipt for it. Why, you told me yourself that you took the wages' receipt book from the little cupboard in the corner." Cook's virtuous indignation was beautiful to behold. "It only shows how sensible Mary Sharp was to pack her box and take herself outside of such a place. And I'll do the same within the hour." "So will I," said Betsy. "Mr Sanford," I said, "all sorts of mother's things are missing, and I shouldn't be at all surprised if cook and Betsy have taken some of them." "Me taken your mother's things!" screamed cook. I believe that if it had not been for Mr Sanford she would have scratched me. "I think it not at all improbable," he agreed. "Is there a constable hereabouts?" "There's one in the village." This was Harris, who seemed to have arrived at a sudden resolution to attack his late allies at every possible point, "Name of Parker." "If you will be so good as to request Mr Parker's immediate attendance you shall have no reason to regret it, Mr Harris. Neither of you women will leave this house until the contents of your boxes have been examined in the presence of a policeman." Cook looked uncomfortable as she met Mr Sanford's stern glance. And it was stern! Betsy began to cry. "And what's more," added Harris, pointing at the Ogre, "I happen to know that there was money in Mrs Boyes's desk, and he knows it too." With that parting shot Harris hurried off down the avenue. "Things are beginning to wear rather an ugly aspect, Mr Miller." "Ugly aspect! What do you mean? You needn't think I want to stop in this hugger-muggering hole! I am just as anxious to get out of it as anyone can be to get me out." "I should hardly think that possible." "I only regret that I ever set foot in it." "Then the regret is general." "As for these ungrateful little wretches, and especially you, my lad!"--this was Dick--"they shall hear of me very soon in quite another fashion, when they haven't got a bully to back them up." Mr Sanford laughed. "He's cramming mother's things into his pocket at this very moment!" cried Jim. "Aren't you making a mistake, Mr Miller?" Mr Sanford's politeness seemed to make the Ogre feel dreadful. He looked as if he would have liked to have killed him. "I don't want the miserable rubbish!" He banged the letters and things down on the table. Dick went on,-- "I believe that what Harris says about there having been money in mother's desk is true, and this man hasn't accounted for a penny. And it's my belief too that he's been taking what he likes out of the house. He lives just up the lane--I shouldn't be surprised to find plenty of mother's property at his own place." The Ogre moved towards the door, but it was too late, Mr Sanford interposed.