Just after twelve o’clock, when Luke was at home eating dinner, a knock was heard at the front door.

“I’ll go, mother,” said Luke, and he rose from the table, and, going into the entry, opened the outer door.

His surprise may be imagined when he confronted Squire Duncan and the gentlemen already mentioned as directors of the Groveton bank.

“Did you wish to see mother?” he asked.

“Yes; we have come on important business,” said Squire Duncan, pompously.

“Walk in, if you please.”

Luke led the way into the little sitting-room, followed by the visitors.  The dinner-table was spread in the kitchen adjoining.  The room looked very much filled up with the unwonted company, all being large men.

“Mother,” called Luke, “here are some gentlemen who wish to see you.”

The widow entered the room, and looked with surprise from one to another.  All waited for Squire Duncan, as the proper person, from his official position, to introduce the subject of their visit.

“Mrs. Larkin,” said the squire, pompously, “it has possibly come to your ears that the Groveton Bank, of which you are aware that I am the president, has been robbed of a box of bonds?”

“Yes, sir.  I was so informed by Miss Melinda Sprague this morning.”

“I am also informed that you have in your custody a tin box similar to the one that has been taken.”

He expected to see Mrs. Larkin show signs of confusion, but she answered calmly:  “I have a box in my custody, but whether it resembles the one lost I can’t say.”

“Ha! you admit that you hold such a box?” said the squire, looking significantly at his companions.

“Certainly.  Why should I not?”

“Are you willing to show it to us?”

“Yes, we are willing to show it,” said Luke, taking it upon himself to answer, “but I have no idea that it will do you any good.”

“That is for us to decide, young man,” said Squire Duncan.

“Do you suppose it is the box missing from the bank, sir?”

“It may be.”

“When did you miss the box?”

“Only this morning, but it may have been taken a month ago.”

“This box has been in our possession for a fortnight.”

“Such is your statement, Luke.”

“It is the truth,” said Luke, flushing with indignation.

“My boy,” said Mr. Beane, “don’t be angry.  I, for one, have no suspicion that you have done anything wrong, but it is our duty to inquire into this matter.”

“Who told you that we had such a box, Mr. Beane?”

“Miss Melinda Sprague was the informant.”

“I thought so, mother,” said Luke.  “She is a prying old maid, and it is just like her.”

“Miss Sprague only did her duty,” said the squire.  “But we are losing time.  We require you to produce the box.”

“I will get it, gentlemen,” said the widow, calmly.