to Rickwell. What have you done with that money,
wretched boy?"

"I went to the Hippodrome with another boy," wept Alexander. "I thought
as I'd take the holiday, as you'd think I was in the country. Please,
sir, I'm very sorry, but I thought Mr. Wilson was all right."

"Did Mr. Wilson come back to say that all was right?" demanded Steel
sharply.

"No, sir, he didn't. Mother and I ain't set eyes on him since he went
away to serve the summons. I was afraid to tell you, sir," he added to
his master, "'cause I knew I'd done wrong. But I hope you won't be hard
on me, sir."

"Alexander," said Mr. Asher, "you have disgraced a most respectable
office, and can no longer continue in it. You have spent money, you have
wasted time, both given to you for a certain purpose. For the sake of
your mother, who is a hard-working woman, I shall not take any legal
steps. But from this day you cease to be in our employment. Your wages
for the week shall be confiscated, since you have made free with my
money. At five to-day, Alexander, you leave this place forever."

"Oh, sir--please, sir--I didn't----"

"Alexander, I have spoken. You can depart."

With a howl the boy went out of the room, and sat weeping in the outer
office for at least ten minutes. He was wondering what he should say to
his mother, for she was a terrible woman, with a short temper and a hard
hand. His fellow-clerks demanded what was the matter, but Alexander had
sense enough to keep his own counsel. All he said was that the governor
had discharged him, and then he wept afresh.

While thus employed Steel made his appearance. He had been discussing
the matter with Asher, and had proposed a course of action in connection
with the delinquent to which Asher agreed. He advanced to the weeping
Alexander and lifted him from his seat by the collar.

"Come, young man," said he, "take me home to your mother at once."

"Oh, Lor'," cried Alexander, "she'll give me beans!"

"You deserve the worst beating she can give you," said Steel severely,
while the clerks grinned. "However, you must come with me. Where do you
live?"

"Warder Street, Lambeth," snuffled Alexander, and urged by the hand on
his collar, went out of the office with the detective.

"We'll take a hansom," said Steel, and shortly was ensconced in one with
the miserable Alexander.

As a rule a ride in a hansom would have been a joy to Master Benker, but
he was too much afraid of the meeting with his mother to