He took all the money and papers out of his wallet, and stuffed it with pieces of newspaper which Lawry gave him. Having thus prepared the wallet, which he said was of the same material as the lost pocketbook, he placed it on the surface of the water, holding his hand underneath to save it, in case the trial should result differently from his anticipations. It floated, and he removed his hand from under it to exhibit his confidence in the law he had tested. "That's plain enough," said he. "My pocketbook hasn't gone to the bottom." "It certainly has not," replied Lawry. "Then where is it?--that's the next question." "Are you sure it was in your pocket when you got into the ferry-boat?" "Just as sure as I am that I sit here." "You were very careless about your coat on board of the sloop." "I know I was." "I don't see how a man could throw down his coat with six thousand dollars in the pocket," said Lawry. "I know I'm careless; but I'm so used to carrying money that I don't think much about it. I always carry it in a pocket inside of my vest," continued the director, putting his hand in the place indicated; "but this is a new vest, and hasn't any such pocket. Things don't look all right to me. Is the ferryman your father?" "Yes, sir; he is." "Well, the money's gone," added Mr. Randall. "We will go back to the ferry-boat." "Did you find it?" asked John Wilford, as the bank director stepped into the bateau. "No; but I'm certain it has not gone to the bottom." "Where is it, then?" "I don't know; can you tell me?" Mr. Randall looked at the ferryman very sharply. His manner indicated that he had some suspicions. "How can I tell you?" replied John Wilford. "The money was in the coat pocket when you picked it up in the water--I know it was." "Do you mean to say I took it out?" demanded the ferryman angrily. "If you didn't, I don't see what has become of it." "Do you mean to accuse my father of stealing?" said Lawry indignantly. "I don't accuse him of anything; but here are the facts, and you can all see for yourselves." "You throw your coat down anywhere. It would have gone overboard from the sloop if I hadn't saved it; and it won't do for so careless a man as you are to accuse anybody of stealing your money," added Lawry angrily. "Very likely you lost it out of the pocket before you got into the ferry-boat." "Never mind him, Lawry. I haven't got his pocketbook," interposed the ferryman. "I know you haven't, father; and it makes me mad to hear him accuse you of stealing it." "Mr. Randall, if you think I've got your money, I want you to satisfy yourself on the point at once," continued John Wilford, turning to the director. "I hope you haven't." "But you think I have. Search me, then."