"Yes, sir," said he. "I forgot to put away some papers, and I came down to secure them, and while I was here that wretch surprised me, threatened to murder me, and finally overpowered me and bound me here as you see. If you will ask him to release me, I will get up and explain everything." "It's a lie," screamed Mr. Denny, lifting his crutch. "I don't believe you--you thief--you robber! It's a lie!" "Oh, father!" cried Alma. "Release him--let him go. He will go away then, and leave us. He has done wrong; but let him go. It must be some awful mistake--some----" "No! Never! never! ne--v----" The word died away on his lips, for on the instant there was a loud ring at the hall door. They all listened in silence. Again the importunate bell pealed through the echoing house. "It is some one in distress," said Elmer. "John, do you take a light and go to the door. Ask what is wanted before you loose the chain, and tell them to go away unless it is a case of life or death." They listened in breathless interest to the confused sounds in the hall. There was a moving of locks, and then rough voices talking in suppressed whispers. The candles flared in the cold draught of wind that swept into the room, and the sound of the rain in the trees filled the air. Then the door closed, and John returned, and in an excited whisper said: "It's Mr. Jones, the sheriff." At this word Mr. Belford struggled with his bonds, and in a broken voice he cried: "Oh, Mr. Denny, spare me! Let me not be arrested. I will restore every----" "Silence, sir!" said Elmer. "Not a word till you are spoken to. What does he want, John?" "He says he must see Mr. Denny. It's very important--and, oh, sir, he's a'most beside himself, and I wouldn't let him in." "Call him in at once," said Mr. Denny. "It is a most fortunate arrival. The very man we want." John returned to the hall, and in a moment an old man, gray-haired and wrinkled, but still vigorous and strong, stood before them. He seemed a giant in his huge great-coat, and when he removed his hat his massive head and thick neck seemed almost leonine. "Ah! Mr. Sheriff, you have arrived at a most opportune moment. We were just awakened from our beds by this robber. We captured him, and we have him here." "Beg pardon, sir. Sorry to hear it, but 'twere another errant that brought me here. The widow Green's daughter, Alice, she that was missing, has been found in the mill-race--dead." They all gave expression to undisguised astonishment, and the prisoner in the chair groaned heavily. "And I have come for the key of the boat house, sir, that we may go for the--body, sir." "How horrible! When did all this happen?" "We dunno, sir. I'd like the key ter once." "Certainly--certainly, Mr. Sheriff. But this man--cannot you secure him for the night?" "Oh, ay. But the child, sir. The boys wants your boat to go for her." "Poor, poor Alice!" cried Alma, wringing her hands.