ith letters which he carried into the inner
office and deposited on Mr. Danforth's desk. He observed the roll
of bills, and thought his employer careless in leaving so much money
exposed, but said nothing on the subject to Dawkins, between whom and
himself there was little communication.

XXXI.

CONVICTED OF THEFT.

Half an hour later Mr. Danforth returned.

"Has any one been here?" he asked as he passed through the outer office.

"No, sir," said Dawkins, with outward composure though his heart was
beating rapidly.

While apparently intent upon his writing he listened attentively to what
might be going on in the next room. One,--two,--three minutes passed.
Mr. Danforth again showed himself.

"Did you say that no one has been here?" he demanded, abruptly.

"No, sir."

"Have either of you been into my office since I have been out?"

"I have not, sir," said Dawkins.

"I went in to carry your letters," said Paul.

"Did you see a roll of bills lying on my desk?"

"Yes, sir," said Paul, a little surprised at the question.

"I have just counted it over, and find but six hundred dollars instead
of eight hundred. Can you account for the discrepancy?"

Mr. Danforth looked keenly at the two boys. Dawkins, who had schooled
himself to the ordeal, maintained his outward calmness. Paul, beginning
to perceive that his honesty was called in question, flushed.

"No, sir," said the boys simultaneously.

"It can hardly be possible, that Mr. Thompson, who is a very careful
man, should have made such a mistake in paying me," resumed Mr.
Danforth.

"As we have been the only persons here," said Dawkins, "the only way to
vindicate ourselves from suspicion is, to submit to a search."

"Yes, sir," said Paul promptly.

Both boys turned their pockets inside out, but the missing money was not
found.

"There is my overcoat, sir," said Dawkins, "will you be kind enough to
search it for yourself?"

Next, of course, Paul's overcoat was searched.

What was our hero's dismay when from one of the pockets Mr. Danforth
produced a fifty dollar bill.

"Is it possible?" he exclaimed in as much grief as surprise, "Unhappy
boy, how came you by this money in your pocket?"

"I don't know, sir," returned Paul, his cheek alternately flushing and
growing pale.

"I wish I could believe you," said Mr. Danforth; "where have you put the
other bills? Produce them, and I may overlook this first offense."

"Indeed, sir," said Paul,