"I reckon the kid finds himself in hot water," he said to himself.

 

"Come here, Mr. Brandon," said the grocer.

 

"Yes, sir," returned Brandon, innocently.

 

"Do you remember telling me that you saw Gerald take money from the drawer?"

 

"Yes, sir; I thought it my duty to tell you. At the same time, as it is probably a first offence, I hope you will forgive him."

 

"You see how considerate Brandon is," said Mr. Tubbs, turning to Gerald. "What do you think the boy says?"

 

This was, of course, addressed to Brandon.

 

"I don't know, sir. Does he deny taking the money?"

 

"Yes. He says he saw you take it!"

 

"Is it possible?" exclaimed Brandon. "I hope you don't believe the charge, Mr. Tubbs."

 

"Certainly not."

 

"You may search me if you like."

 

"Perhaps it will be well to search you both, though, of course, the note may have been spent."

 

"I am at your command, Mr. Tubbs. Stay, I will turn my pockets inside out!"

 

He proceeded to do so, but only a few silver coins were found. The fact was that the note had been paid away in the billiard-room the previous evening.

 

"Now, Gerald, it is your turn."

 

Gerald looked embarrassed. Though he was perfectly¹ innocent, he knew that there was a five-dollar bill in his pocketbook—part of the money drawn² from the savings³ bank. Mr. Barton had handed it to him only two days previous.

 

Brandon had no knowledge of this. His only idea was to subject Gerald to humiliation⁴. But when he saw the boy's confusion, he began to think that things were turning out unexpectedly in his favor.

 

"I don't think he wants to be searched, Mr. Tubbs," he said,

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