A moan of disappointment broke from the heart of Ignatius Jordan, then a spasm of rage, such as might seize on a madman, transformed his face; his eye blazed, and he sprang to his feet and ran towards Jasper. The latter, keeping his eye on him, said firmly, ‘Listen to me, Mr. Jordan. Pray sit down again, and I will explain to you why my father has not sent the money.’ Mr. Jordan hesitated. His face quivered. With his raised hand he would have struck Jasper, but the composure of the latter awed him. The paroxysm passed, and he sank into his chair, and gave way to depression. ‘My father is a man of honour. He gave you his word, and he intended to keep it. He borrowed of you a large sum, and he laid it out in the purchase of some land. He has been fairly prosperous. He saved money enough to repay the debt, and perhaps more. As the time drew nigh for repayment he took the sum required from the bank in notes, and locked them in his bureau. Others knew of this. My father was not discreet: he talked about the repayment, he resented having to make it, complained that he would be reduced to great straits without it.’ ‘The money was not his, but mine.’ ‘I know that,’ said Jasper, sorrowfully. ‘But my father has always been what is termed a close man, has thought much of money, and cannot bear to part with it. I do not say that this justifies, but it explains, his dissatisfaction. He is an old man, and becoming feeble, and clings through force of habit to his money.’ ‘Go on; nothing can justify him.’ ‘Others knew of his money. One day he was at Totnes, at a great cloth fair. He did not return till the following day. During his absence his bureau was broken open, and the money stolen.’ ‘Was the thief not caught? Was the money not recovered?’ asked Mr. Jordan, trembling with excitement. ‘The money was in part recovered.’ ‘Where is it?’ ‘Listen to what follows. You asked if the—the person who took the money was caught. He was.’ ‘Is he in prison?’ ‘The person who took the money was caught, tried, and sent to jail. When taken, some of the money was found about him; he had not spent it all. What remained I was bringing you.’ ‘Give it me.’ ‘I have not got it.’ ‘You have not got it?’ ‘No, I have lost it.’ Again did Mr. Jordan start up in a fit of rage. He ground his teeth, and the sweat broke out in drops on his brow. ‘I had the money with me when the accident happened, and I was thrown from my horse, and became unconscious. It was lost or taken then.’ ‘Who was your companion? He must have robbed you.’ ‘I charge no one. I alone am to blame. The money was entrusted to my keeping.’ ‘Why did your father give you the money before the appointed day?’ ‘When my father recovered part of the money, he would no longer keep it in his possession, lest he should again lose it; so he bade me take it to you at once.’ ‘You have spent the money, you have spent it yourself!’ cried Mr. Jordan wildly.