“To be perfectly plain with you, uncle,” said Clyde, “I must tell you that you have never cared to enlighten us about the property you hold in trust.  But I know all about it now, and I have discovered that something like ten thousand dollars is missing.”

It was a bold speech, and Clyde was doubtful how it would be received.  But it did not bring out the angry storm that might have been expected.

Instead, Mr. Ellis merely rose from his chair and began to pace the floor uneasily.  He put his hand to his heart as if there was pain there that he wished to stifle.  His steps were unsteady.

Meanwhile Ray looked on in perfect astonishment.  He stared at his brother, then followed his uncle with open-mouthed wonder.

[Illustration:  CLYDE DREW A CHAIR UP TO THE TABLE AND SAT DOWN.  “NOW,” SAID THE BROKER, “GO ON.”]

“You have discovered that, have you?” said the latter, pausing for a moment before the chair in which Clyde was sitting.  “May I ask how such a sum could be missing?”

“When a man speculates in wheat, and buys for a rise in price, and the price suddenly falls, he loses money, sometimes as much as ten thousand dollars.”

Uncle Ellis staggered into his chair, and sat there nervously clutching at the arms on both sides.

“Do you dare to charge me with losing in speculation ten thousand dollars that do not belong to me?” he gasped.

“I have not made any charges, have I?” asked Clyde.

He could not help pitying his uncle in spite of the fact that he detested him.

“I hope you won’t do it, either,” and Mr. Ellis’ voice sunk almost to a whisper.  “It is not so.  What enemy could have told you this lie?  It certainly was not Mr. Sh—­” Mr. Ellis cast a frightened glance at his nephew and stopped short.  “This is a very serious thing,” he added, impressively.  “I trust you realize the enormity of what you are saying.  Since your father was drowned, I have been a father to you and Ray.  I have taken care of you in my house—­”

“In our house, you mean,” corrected Clyde.

“Well, yes, have it so, if you like.  I have tried to do my duty by you, and this is what I get for it.  I have watched over your interests and have guarded the money left in trust with zealous care.  This is unexpected.  Some enemy has been poisoning your mind against me.  Believe me, there is not a word of truth in it.”

“Then the money is intact, is it?” questioned Clyde.

“Entirely so.  See here; I will prove it to you.  Since you have heard these dreadful stories, I must clear myself.  Should I take you to my lawyer and let you read the will, show you just the amount of money left and then let you see with your own eyes that everything is safe, would you be satisfied?”

“Certainly I would, uncle.”

“Very well; I shall do this to-morrow or next day.  Meanwhile, you must promise me that you will not talk about this to anybody.  It would ruin me should a whisper of such an outrageous charge get out.  Will you promise not to say anything until you have seen with your own eyes that all is right?”