And, sitting there, Charlton explained what he was too proud to tell before--how he had wanted that ten shillings to help his father; and how his father, not using it, had given it back to him. "Indeed, I knew nothing about the note, Ralph," he said. "I know that you thought I had stolen it, and it made me miserable, but I am sorry that I spoke to you as I did." "All right, old fellow!" answered Ralph, wringing his hand. "Do not let us think of it any more. Besides, I have a pretty good idea of who took that note now--or, rather, who caused it to be taken. I don't know for certain, so I will accuse no one; but I don't think that it was you." "You mean Horace Elgert!" cried Charlton; but Ralph smiled and shook his head. "Won't do, old fellow. I said that I would not mention names. But look here, Charlton, I do want to ask your father one thing. Does he know anything about my father?" "Your father! How can he, Ralph?" "He might have been in Stow Wood that night, and have seen or heard something," the boy said. "I will answer that question for myself!" Mr. Charlton entered as Ralph was speaking, and the boys started, for even Charlton would not have known his father in the half-bald, grey-bearded old fellow who stood before him. "I will answer that question, Ralph Rexworth; and then, after that, I am only Brown, the gardener, remember. I can give you no information beyond this. On the night of your father's disappearance--my son has told me about that--I was in Stow Wood, and I heard a shot; and afterwards I saw a trap being driven rapidly away. There were two men in it, and one of those two leaned up against his companion as though he was helpless or badly hurt. Hiding myself, I could not follow them; but I thought at the time that it looked like foul play." "The second man was not dead?" cried Ralph anxiously; and the answer was very positive-- "No, I am quite certain of that, for I heard him groan as they passed in the darkness. That is all I can tell you. It was natural that you should think that I knew something about it. I have also heard that I am supposed to be the one who entered the dormitory at the school one night; but I am innocent of that. A little thought ought to convince any one that to do such a thing would be the very last object of my wishes--the danger of being captured would be too great; and I do not quite see what any one can imagine that I should want to go there for." "It is all a mystery to me," said Ralph. And then Irene's voice was heard in the hall, and she and her mother entered. "Back again, Ladybird!" said her father, kissing her. Then, seeing her eyes fixed on the strangers, he went on: "Ah! you want an introduction? This is Fred Charlton, Ralph's friend; and this is a man who is to be our new gardener. His name is Thomas Brown. Run off with Ralph and Charlton for a little while; I want to talk to your mother."