CHAPTER XXXV.
TURNING THE TABLES "Now Conrad," said Mrs.Hamilton, "will you tell me by what authority you send away my visitors ?" "I didn't suppose you would want to see Ben," stammered Conrad.
"Why not ?" "After what he has done ?" "What has he done ?" "He stole your opera glass and pawned it." "You are mistaken.

It was stolen by a different person." Conrad started uneasily, and his mother, who was not in the secret, looked surprised.
"I know who took the opera glass," continued Mrs.Hamilton.
"Who was it ?" asked the housekeeper.
"Your son, I regret to say." "This is a slander!" exclaimed Mrs.Hill angrily.

"Cousin Hamilton, that boy has deceived you." "My information did not come from Ben, if that is what you mean." "My son would be incapable of stealing," continued Mrs.Hill.
"I should be glad to think so.

It can easily be settled.

Let Conrad go with me tomorrow to the pawnbroker from whom I recovered the glass, and see if he recognizes him." "He would be sure to say it was me," stammered Conrad.
"At any rate he told me it was not Ben, who made no opposition to accompanying me." "I see there is a plot against my poor boy," said Mrs.Hill bitterly.
"On the contrary, I shall be glad to believe him innocent.