"I shall be glad to
take the trip this fine morning. It is almost too pleasant to remain
in-doors."

"Thank you; I will give you your instructions, and shall be glad to have
you go at once."

It is not necessary to our story that we should know the nature of the
errand on which Haynes was sent. It served the purpose of getting him
out of the way.

When the suspected clerk was fairly on his way Mr. Hartley went to the
packing-room, and looked about him till he discovered the case addressed
to

H. L. DAVIS & CO.,
HARTFORD, CONN.

"Open this case," said he to one of the workmen. "There was a mistake
recently in sending some goods to Davis, and I wish to compare these
with the bill."

"I think they are all right, sir," said the man addressed. "Mr. Haynes
saw them packed."

"Mr. Haynes will not be responsible for any mistake," said Mr. Hartley.
"I would rather see for myself."

The case was opened, and the merchant discovered about two hundred
dollars' worth of silk, which was not included in the bill.

"Go and call Mr. Hunting," said Mr. Hartley, quietly.

Mr. Hunting filled one of the most important positions in the
establishment. To him his employer explained the nature of his
discovery.

"Mr. Hunting," he said, "I wish you to see and attest the fraud that has
been attempted upon me. This case was packed under the special charge of
Mr. Haynes."

"Is it possible that Mr. Haynes knew of this?" exclaimed his
fellow-clerk.

"Davis is his brother-in-law," said Mr. Hartley, significantly.

"Has this been going on long, do you think, sir?"

"For several years, I suspect. Mr. Haynes has, no doubt, found it very
profitable."

"Shall I close up the case again, sir?" asked the workman.

"Yes, but it is not to go. You may await my further orders."

The silk was taken out, and replaced in the silk department.

"So much has been saved, at least," said the merchant.

"When Mr. Haynes comes back," he said to the usher, "send him to me."

CHAPTER XXIII.

BROUGHT TO BAY.

Mr. Haynes had a private reason for accepting readily the commission to
visit Brooklyn. It occurred to him at once that it would give him an
excellent chance to call on his real-estate agent, and confer with him
upon future investments. For James Haynes had the comfortable
consciousness that he was a prosperous man. Month by month, and year by
year, he was adding largely to his gains, and while he was still a young
man he