Ruby's Reward — page 275: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

eo.) yore had Walter taken up for stealing Mrs. Gor- don’s trinkets and money, eh?” Mr, Rugeles began, by way of opening his battery, while his small, keen eyes searched Edmund Carpenter’s face eagerly. “How could I do otherwise?’ he demanded, flush- ing angrily at the attack. ‘We tried every other means that we could think of first to discover them, and no clew could be obtained, while surely his sleeping here that night and then going away so stealthily before light in the morning looked ex- tremely suspicious.’ “You are mistaken, Mr, Carpenter,’? Ruby inter- posed. with dignity. ‘Mr. Richardson did not leave ‘stealthily ;’ he told both Mrs, Coxon and me that he should be obliged to go away very early in order to eateh his train,” “Tt was a mean thing to do, Edmund, when you've known for yeurs that there wasn’t an honester lad in the State. In fact you have treated the boy very ahabbily ever since your father died, and I believe a day of reckoning will yet come for you. “What am I to understand by that?’ demanded Mr. Carpenter, frowning darkly. “Your own oonscience ought to answer that ques- tion better than [ can,” replied Mr. Ruggles, gravely. “T would like to ask it you expect to prove this theft against Walter, or whether you have only had him arrested to vent your spleen against him and make him a mark for public scandal ?” “That's aseusible question surely fora man of your years,’’ retorted Mr, Carpenter, with a contemptuous laugh. ‘However, [can simply say that that remains to be seen.” - “Well, [can tell you thatthere shall be no stone. left unturned to save the boy. I know he is innocent. You know it too; and if there is any way of unearth- ing the plot that I'm pretty sure you've laid for him, you Imay May be pretty sure it’ll be done,” Having delivered himself of these energetic re- marks, Mr. Ruggles turned and left the room, fol- lowed by Ruby, ‘his desire for rest having. SiApOEasd with his indignation.