Alma turned toward the man in the chair, and clung to her father in terror. The old man lifted his crutch as if to strike.
"Oh, father, come away. Leave the poor wretch. Perhaps he has taken nothing."
The men gathered round in a circle, and Elmer drew near to Alma. She felt his presence near her, and involuntarily put out her hand to touch him.
"My curse fall on you! Who are you? What have I done to you--you--viper?"
The man secured in the chair, and with the wire drawn tightly over his throat, replied not a word.
Elmer advanced toward him, and Alma, with a little cry, tried to hinder him.
"Do not fear. He cannot move. I will release his head, and perhaps you will recognize him."
The wire about his throat was loosened, and the wretch lifted his head into a more comfortable position.
"Yes, sir," said he. "I forgot to put away some papers, and I came down to secure them, and while I was here that wretch surprised me, threatened to murder me, and finally overpowered me and bound me here as you see. If you will ask him to release me, I will get up and explain everything."
"It's a lie," screamed Mr. Denny, lifting his crutch. "I don't believe you--you thief--you robber! It's a lie!"
"Oh, father!" cried Alma. "Release him--let him go. He will go away then, and leave us. He has done wrong; but let him go. It must be some awful mistake--some----"
The word died away on his lips, for on the instant there was a loud ring at the hall door. They all listened in silence. Again the importunate bell pealed through the echoing house.
"It is some one in distress," said Elmer. "John, do you take a light and go to the door. Ask what is wanted before you loose the chain, and tell them to go away unless it is a case of life or death."
They listened in breathless interest to the confused sounds in the hall. There was a moving of locks, and then rough voices talking in suppressed whispers. The candles flared in the cold draught of wind that swept into the room, and the sound of the rain in the trees filled the air. Then the door closed, and John returned, and in an excited whisper said:
At this word Mr. Belford struggled with his bonds, and in a broken voice he cried:
"Oh, Mr. Denny, spare me! Let me not be arrested. I will restore every----"