rtant position, and enjoys special
privileges. On the other hand, so far as I can learn, he lives in a
sober, inexpensive way, quite within his salary, which is liberal. He is
prominently connected with an up-town church, and it seems very
improbable that he would be guilty of robbery, or breach of trust; yet
there have been such cases before. At any rate, I cannot wholly divest
myself of suspicion."

"What do you wish me to do?" asked Frank.

"To watch Mr. Haynes carefully, both in and out of the store, to
ascertain whether he has any unexplained expenses, or any questionable
companions. I want to know how he spends his time out of the office. It
may be that the result of my investigation will be to his credit. It may
be that he is all that he seems,--a reputable member of the church and
of society, with nothing against him but an unpleasant manner. Should
this be the case, I shall be glad to correct my suspicions, and give him
back my confidence. In that case, we must look elsewhere for the rogue
who is robbing me."

"Have you any particular instructions to give me?" asked Frank.

"No, only to follow Haynes, and find out all you can about him. Use
great care in doing it, not to arouse his or any one else's suspicion. I
will find an opportunity for you to make your reports."

"Very well, sir."

* * * * *

When Frank got home, he found a letter awaiting him from his country
home. It was in answer to one which he had written to his uncle, Deacon
Pelatiah Kavanagh, in reference to a trunk which had belonged to his
father.

This is the letter:--

MY DEAR NEPHEW,--I am glad to learn that you are making a living in
the city. It is much better that you should earn your own living
than to be a burden upon me, though of course I would not see you
suffer. But a man's duty is to his own household, and my income
from the farm is very small, and Hannah and I agreed that we had
little to spare for others.

There is an old trunk, belonging to your deceased father, in the
attic. It contains some old clothes, which may be made over for
you, and so save you expense. I would use them myself, and allow
you for them, but your father was a much smaller man than I, and
his clothes would not fit me. I will send the trunk by express to
the address which you gave me. Of course I shall expect you to pay
the express, as I have no interest