Once inside, however, he beckoned Jack, and without a word led him alone into MacFarlane's study--now almost dismantled for the move to Morfordsburg--and closed the door.
"Mrs.Minott has just told me the most extraordinary thing, Jack--an unbelievable story.

Is she quite sane ?" Jack scanned Peter's face and read the truth.

Corinne had evidently told him everything.

This was the severest blow of all.
"She supposed you knew, sir;" answered Jack quietly, further concealment now being useless.
"Knew what ?" Peter was staring at him with wide-open eyes.
"What she told you, sir," faltered Jack.
The old man threw up his hands in horror.
"What! You really mean to tell me, Jack, that Minott has been stealing ?" Jack bent his head and his eyes sought the floor.

He could hardly have been more ashamed had he himself been the culprit.
"God bless my soul! From whom ?" "The church funds--he was trustee.