“Yes, they are promises to pay interest semiannually. In January and July I cut off one of these little slips, and receive the interest it represents in gold.” “That’s very convenient, isn’t it?” “Yes, for I can get the coupons cashed at any bank or broker’s office.” Almost mechanically, he began to draw out the bonds and count them. But his air of inattention was quickly replaced by a look of surprise and anxiety. He counted the bonds over again, more deliberately, but each time the number came short two. “That’s strange,” he said, in a low tone. “What is strange, pa?” “Two bonds seem to be missing,” said his father, in a tone of concern. “I’ve got one, you know, in my hand.” “Yes, yes. I reckoned that.” “How large were they? Is it much of a loss?” “One hundred dollars apiece, and each worth a hundred and fifteen dollars, on account of the premium. Do you know anything about them?” and Colonel Ross fixed a piercing eye on his son. “I, pa? How should I know anything about them? Why, I didn’t know exactly how they looked. When did you see them all last?” “Last evening. I happened to count them then.” “They must have been taken from the trunk since then.” “Then I am almost sure I know how it happened,” said Philip, suddenly, as if a light had dawned upon him. “I should like to have you tell me, then.” “You remember, pa, you left the keys on the desk?” “Yes; but there was no one here except you,” and again the father had suspicion of his son. “I hope you don’t think I’d do such a thing as that?” said Philip, virtuously. “But I am afraid it is my fault, for I left the outside door unlocked all night. Any one might have come in and stolen the bonds.” “That is true; but why didn’t they take more, or all? You didn’t see any one round when you went to bed, did you?” “Yes, I did,” answered Philip, with well-feigned eagerness. “Just as I was going to bed, I went into the next room, where the trunk is, and, turning to look out of the window, I was quite startled to see Harry Gilbert’s face close to the window. The light shining through the doorway was quite strong enough for him to see the trunk and keys lying on your desk. It’s as sure as can be that he took the bonds. You see, he could slip in after I went upstairs, and there was nothing to prevent. He might have been lurking around when you were examining the bonds last night, and saw you place them back in the envelope.” “What is all this about?” asked Mrs. Ross, entering the room at this point. It was explained to her, and she instantly adopted her son’s view. “Phil’s hit the nail on the head, I do believe,” she said. “I didn’t think he was so sharp. Colonel Ross, I have no doubt the Gilbert boy took the bonds.” “Then, why didn’t he take more?” asked Ross. “Oh, he got frightened—thought he heard a noise, or perhaps he thought it would not be discovered so quick if he only took two. There are reasons enough.”