=Pete.= Massa George, I found dem (_displaying box_) jest whar de note said dey was--in de hollow ob dat big chestnut tree. (_hands box to GEORGE_) But does yo' t'ink yo' ought to keep dem diamonds here? S'pose de folks finds out yo' is hidin' here, an' gits out a search warrant, an' comes here an' finds dem? Why, yo'd be a goner, suah.
=Graef.= Never fear, Pete, I'll take good care that they won't be discovered. I can never thank you for what you have done for me.
=Pete.= Nebber mind de t'anks, Massa George. When yo's clared yo' name ob all 'spicion, an' can look honest men in de face like de honest man yo' is--den dat will be t'anks enough for me.
=Graef.= Did you find out who it was that pawned that diamond at Davis's?
=Pete.= No, sar, but it 'pears to me dat we don't need dat ev'dence. We can make out a cl'ar case widout dat.
=Graef.= (_musing_) Let me see. Helen's marriage takes place day after to-morrow, does it not?
=Pete.= Dat's de time a'pinted--if de groom does not come up wantin'.
=Graef.= Then you come to me here about eight o'clock in the morning. I'll try to have all my plans arranged by that time. Now, you had better leave me, for your absence may be observed.
=Pete.= By golly, Massa George, if I didn't done gone an' clar forgot dat I left a lady an' her little gal standin' out dar on de landin'. (_points L._)
=Graef.= A lady and child out there? Why, what do they want at this time of night?
=Pete.= Shelter an' rest, dat's what dey said. I brought dem. Dey am strangers. I found dem on de street, sick an' kinder faint-like. I wanted dem to go to de hotel, but dey kicked an' said dey didn't want folks starin' at 'em, so I brought 'em here to stay fo' de night. De landlady is out, so I tole dem to wait out dar 'till I axes yo' if dey might come in here an' stay until she comes home.
=Graef.= But, Pete, think of the risk I run.
=Pete.= (_quickly_) Oh, yo' needn't be 'fraid ob dem blowin'. Dey is _quality_ folks.
=Graef.= (_laughing_) On your recommendation, Pete, they may be admitted.
=Pete.= (_goes to the door and opens it_) Come in, mum.
=Pete.= Dis am Massa George. (_GEORGE bows_)
=Mrs. D.= Pardon me, sir, for presuming to intrude on your privacy, but I am not well and could not stand upon ceremony.