and the search began

So saying, she went about from place to place down below, opening whatever drawers there were, even in the pantry, and revealing nothing that looked like the bonds. "I didn't expect they were downstairs," said the Colonel. "Then we will go upstairs. You shall not say that we have concealed anything or shrunk from any investigation." "Very well." Mrs. Gilbert thereupon led the way upstairs, and the search began. Finally, they came to her own bureau. The upper drawer was opened, and the sharp eyes of the Colonel detected a large envelope. It was the one that contained the bonds which had been presented to Harry for his service in ferreting out the burglars in the wood. Singular as it may seem, neither Harry nor his mother had thought of them, and the false inference that might be drawn from their discovery. It was natural, therefore, that each should look startled and discomposed. "Ha! what have we here?" demanded Colonel Ross, clutching the envelope. "Those are my property," said Harry, who was the first to recover his self-possession. "I will take the liberty to examine. Ha! government bonds, as I live. Constable, what do you say now?" demanded the Colonel, triumphantly. The constable, who knew nothing of Harry's gift, looked very uncomfortable indeed. Despite his belief in Harry's honesty, he was staggered by this apparent evidence to the contrary. "What is this, Mrs. Gilbert?" he asked. "They are bonds belonging to Harry. He speaks the truth." "A likely story," exclaimed Colonel Ross. "Really, Mrs. Gilbert, your conduct is most extraordinary. I begin to think you had some knowledge of your son's act." "Colonel Ross, don't you dare to insult my mother," said Harry, so fiercely that the Colonel retreated a little, under the impression that our hero intended to make an insult upon him. "Be careful, boy," he warned. "I've caught you red-handed in the commission of a crime that may send you to State's prison. You'd better take heed what you say!"