ng at
the list.

"I would rather not, sir," I replied.

"What!"

"I have come to the conclusion that I should resign my place here," I
replied, finding that nothing but plain speech would answer my purpose.

"Resign!" exclaimed he.

He was paler than ever, and my words evidently startled him.

"What do you mean by that? Are you not satisfied with your salary? If
you are not, I will give you ten dollars a week, or twelve, or more, if
you desire."

"My salary is quite satisfactory."

"And you are engaged for a year."

"I know I am, but I hope you will let me off."

"No; I will not. This is a shabby trick, after I have taken the trouble
to break you in, and you know our books perfectly."

"I'm afraid I know them too well," I replied.

"What do you mean by that?" he asked; but he dropped into a chair,
apparently faint, as he had been on the preceding occasion.

"I believe in being fair and square, Mr. Whippleton. There is something
wrong about the books."

"Nonsense, Phil. That is only because there are some things about the
business which you don't understand."

"I want to go to St. Louis this afternoon to see my father."

"Very well; you can go. You can be absent a week, if you wish. Haven't
I used you well, Phil?"

"You have, sir,--very well, indeed; and I am grateful to you for all
your kindness."

"Then why should you leave? If you wish to see your father, go to St.
Louis for a week or two. Your salary shall be paid just the same as
though you were here."

"Thank you, sir; you are very kind, and you always are."

"Then why do you want to leave me?"

"It is because you have always used me well that I wish to go. I am
afraid my trial balance was more correct than I supposed at the time."

"What do you mean, Phil?" demanded he, springing to his feet with
sudden energy.

"Whether right or wrong, sir, I believe that you have taken about forty
thousand dollars out of the concern without the knowledge or consent of
your partner."

"Why, Phil!"

He dropped into his chair again, and I was satisfied that I had hit the
nail on the head. He gasped and trembled, but, fortunately for him, we
were alone in the counting-room.

"I have spoken just what I think, sir; but I hope I am mistaken."

"You are mistaken, Phil; most tremendously mistaken. I like you, Phil;
if I did not, I should kick you out of the counting-room without
another word. But I believe you mean to be honest, and that you have
mad