e accusation has been brought against me," said
Frank.

"A respectable lady has informed me that you are not honest. I regret
it, for I have been pleased with your diligence. Of course, I cannot
retain you in my employ."

"Mr. Gilbert," said Frank, earnestly, "the charge is false. Mrs. Bradley
is my enemy, and wishes me harm. I don't understand how the things came
into my trunk, but I didn't put them there."

"I hope you are innocent, but I must discharge you. Business is dull
now, and I had decided to part with four of my cash-boys. I won't pass
judgment upon you, but you must go."

Frank bowed in silence, for he saw that further entreaty would be vain,
and left the store more dispirited than at any moment since he had been
in the city.

Ten days Frank spent in fruitless efforts to obtain a place.

All this time his money steadily diminished. He perceived that he would
soon be penniless. Evidently, something must be done. He formed two
determinations. The first was to write to Mr. Wharton, who, he thought,
must now have returned from Washington, asserting his innocence and
appealing to him to see Gilbert & Mack, and re-establish him in their
confidence. The second was, since he could not obtain a regular place,
to frequent the wharves and seek chances to carry bundles. In this
way he might earn enough, with great economy, to pay for his board and
lodging.

One morning the housekeeper entered the library where John Wade sat
reading the daily papers.

"Mr. John," she said, holding out a letter, "here is a letter from that
boy. I expected he would write to your uncle."

John Wade deliberately opened the letter.

"Sit down, Mrs. Bradley, and I will read the letter aloud."

It will be only necessary to quote the concluding sentences:

"'I hope, Mr. Wharton, you will not be influenced against me by what
Mrs. Bradley and your nephew say. I don't know why it is, but they are
my enemies, though I have always treated them with respect. I am afraid
they have a desire to injure me in your estimation. If they had not
been, they would have been content with driving me from your house,
without also slandering me to my employers, and inducing them to
discharge me. Since I was discharged, I have tried very hard to get
another place, but as I cannot bring a recommendation from Gilbert &
Mack, I have everywhere been refused. I ask you, Mr. Wharton to consider
my situation. Already my small supply of money is nearly gone,