probably let you off this time."

"Yes, I will let him off this time," chimed in the lady. "I don't
want to send him to prison."

"If you can prove that I am a thief, I am willing to go," said
Grant, hotly.

By this time the elder salesman had come back.

"Is your name John Cavanaugh, my boy?" he asked.

"No, sir."

"Did you ever see this lady before?"

"No, sir."

The lady threw up her hands in feigned amazement.

"I wouldn't have believed the boy would lie so!" she said.

"What is your name?"

"My name is Grant Thornton. I live in Colebrook, and my father is
Rev. John Thornton."

"I know there is such a minister there. To whom do these pearls
belong?"