"We know he's a robber, already, and a man who is clever enough to sell Uncle John three 'Lives of the Saints' would stick at nothing, I'm sure." "He hasn't enough courage to commit a great crime," observed Beth.
"But he may be able to give us some information," Louise asserted; "so I propose we walk over to the town tomorrow morning and interview him." This was promptly agreed to, for even Patsy, the least enthusiastic detective of the three, was eager to find some sort of a solution of the Wegg mystery.

Meantime they decided to watch Old Hucks very carefully.
Beth happened to be present when Uncle John paid Thomas his weekly wage that evening, and was interested to notice how the old man's hand trembled with eagerness as he took the money.
"How much are you accustomed to receive ?" Uncle John had asked.
"Nothing 'tall, sir, since Cap'n Wegg died," was the reply.

"We was glad enough to have a home, Nora an' me, 'thout 'spectin' wages." "And there was no one here for you to serve," mused Uncle John.

"But in Captain Wegg's day, how much did he give you ?" Thomas hesitated, and his smile wavered an instant.
"My old master was also my old friend," said he, in a low voice; "an' I ast him fer little money because my needs were little." "Well, the conditions are now different," remarked Uncle John, carelessly; "and while you are in my employ you shall have your wages regularly.

Will ten dollars a week be satisfactory ?" "Oh, sir!" "And five for Nora." "You are too good, sir.