racter; your evidence is
most decisive, and, as we owe so much to you, we think of putting you in
Tom's place."

Jim had advanced with wariness, and occupied such a position that he
could claim Mrs. Furze as an accomplice, or save appearances, if it was
more prudent to do so. The reward was brilliant, and he saw what course
he ought to take.

"Thank yer, marm; it was very lucky; now I may speak freely I may say as
I've 'ad my eyes on Mr. Catchpole ever so long. I told yer as much
afore, and this ain't the fust time as he's robbed yer, but I couldn't
prove it, and it worn't no good my sayin' wot I worn't sure of."

This, then, is the way in which Destiny rewards those who refuse to
listen to the Divine Voice. Destiny supplies them with reasons for
discrediting it. Mrs. Furze was more than ever thankful to Jim; not so
much because of these additional revelations, but because she was still
further released from the obligation to turn her eyes. Had not Jim said
it once, twice, and now thrice? Who could condemn her? She boldly faced
herself, and asked herself what authority this other self possessed
which, just for a moment, whispered something in her ear. What right had
it thus to interrogate her? What right had it to hint at some horrid
villainy? "None, none," it timidly answered, and was silent. The
business of this other self is suggestion only, and, if it be resisted,
it is either dumb or will reply just as it is bidden.

"You can tell Mr. Catchpole his master wishes to see him here."

"Thankee, marm; good mornin'."

Tom came up to the Terrace much wondering, and was shown into the dining-
room by Phoebe not a little suspicious. Mr. Furze sat back in the easy-
chair with his elbows on the arms and his hands held up and partly
interlaced. It was an attitude he generally assumed when he was grave or
wished to appear so. He had placed himself with his back to the light.
Mrs. Furze sat in the window. Mr. Furze began with much hesitation.

"Sit down, Mr. Catchpole. I am sorry to be obliged to impart to you a
piece--a something--which is very distressing. For some time, I must
say, I have not been quite satisfied with the--the affairs--business at
the shop, and the case of Humphries' account made me more anxious. I
could not tell who the--delinquent--might be, and, under advice, under
advice, I resorted to the usual means of detection, and the result is
that a marked coin placed in the till on Saturda