Mr. Reed looked gratified by the appearance of things, and Mr. Clapp seemed quite satisfied with the turn matters were now taking. Throughout the interview, Mr. Reed seemed to listen with a sort of calm interest, as if he had little doubt as to the result. Mr. Clapp's manner was much more anxious; but then he was perfectly aware of the suspicions against him, and knew that not only this particular case, but his whole prospects for life, were at stake on the present occasion. "Like most sailors, Mr. Stanley has kept but few papers," observed Mr. Reed. "He has been as careless about his documents, as he was about his property--he has lost some of the greatest importance," observed Mr. Clapp. "Here is something, though, that will speak for him," added the lawyer, as he handed Mrs. Stanley a book. It was a volume of the Spectator, open at the blank leaves, and showing the following words: "John William Stanley, Greatwood, 1804;" and below, these, "William Stanley, 1810;" the first sentence was in the hand-writing of the father, the second in the half-childish characters of the son; both names had every appearance of being autographs. The opposite page was partly covered with names of ships, scratches of the pen, unconnected sentences, and one or two common sailor expressions. Mrs. Stanley's eyes grew dim for an instant, after she had read the names of her husband and step-son--she passed the book to Mr. Wyllys; he took it, examined it closely, but found nothing to complain of in its appearance. {"the Spectator" = English daily periodical published by Richard Steele (1672-1729) and Joseph Addison (1672-1719) between 1711 and 1714; the eight volumes of the Spectator have been reprinted frequently in book form ever since} "This is only the third volume; have you the whole set?" he asked, turning to the sailor. "No, sir; I left the rest at home." "Is there such a set at Greatwood?" asked Mr. Wyllys, turning to Mrs. Stanley. "There is," replied the lady, in a low voice, "and one volume missing." Hazlehurst asked to look at the book; it was handed to him by Mr. Wyllys. He examined it very carefully, binding, title-page, and contents; Mr. Clapp watching him closely at the moment. "Do you suspect the hand-writing?" asked the lawyer. "Not in the least," replied Hazlehurst. "You have read this volume often I suppose," he added, turning to the sailor. "Not I," was the reply; "I ain't given to reading in any shape; my shipmates have read that 'ere book oftener than I have." "Did you carry it with you in all your voyages?" "No; I left it ashore half the time." "How long have you had it in your possession?" "Since I first went to sea." "Indeed! that is singular; I should have said, Mr. Clapp," exclaimed Harry, suddenly facing the lawyer, "that only four years since, I read this very volume of the Spectator at Greatwood!" If Hazlehurst expected Mr. Clapp to betray confusion, he was disappointed.