"Ma," put in Loammi, "tell me in what sort of a pocketbook you kept the money?"
"I have something to propose. Suppose you search my chamber and Scott's, to see if there is any such pocketbook in either."
"I don't like to do that. It would be acting as if I thought you dishonest."
"I have no objection for one," said Loammi. "Have you, Scott?"
"Then suppose we go about it. Go to my chamber first."
The three went into Loammi's room. Of course the search revealed nothing of the lost pocketbook.
"Don't mind me," he said. "Look wherever you see fit."
Loammi lifted the pillow, then the bedclothes, peered behind the table, and under the bed.
"Of course, I haven't the slightest idea of finding it here, Scott," he said, "but it is just as well to look thoroughly."
With a nonchalant air Loammi went to the shelf, and raised the cover of a small tin box.
"What is this?" he asked, drawing from it the pocketbook.
"That is my pocketbook," said Mrs. Little, quickly. "Oh, Scott, how could you have taken it?"
"I wouldn't have believed it," said Loammi, trying to look surprised.
"Let me see that pocketbook," said Scott, quickly.
"Is this the pocketbook you lost?" he asked, turning to Mrs. Little.
"If it is not, it is exactly like it. Did you have one of this kind?"
Loammi looked significantly at his mother.
"I hope what you say is true," said Mrs. Little, looking troubled.
"It is true. What else was there in the pocketbook except a five-dollar bill?"
"I know nothing of either. Open this, Loammi, and see if either is in it now."
Loammi did so, but of course the pocketbook was empty.
"Do you think I took this pocketbook from your room, Mrs. Little?" asked Scott.
"I can't tell you. I can tell you what I think."
"That the person who stole the pocketbook took out the money and placed it where it was found."
"Oh, of course," sneered Loammi; "but who was it?"
He gazed fixedly at Loammi, who flushed a little, for he saw that he was suspected.
"Ma," he said, "I hope you'll forgive Scott. Probably he will be willing to give up the money."
"I consider that remark an insulting one, Loammi. I don't want to be forgiven, nor can I give up money that I didn't take."
"Haven't you got a five-dollar note in your pocket?"
"We won't continue the discussion," said Mrs. Little, sadly. "I would a great deal rather have given away the money than lose it in this way."