ter, was about to yield to his curiosity and follow the constable,
when, as he reached the door, his uncle's word thundered out and made
him turn and go on with his writing in response to a severe look and a
pointing finger.

From time to time the boy looked up furtively as he sat, and wondered
why his uncle did not say anything more about the money.

But the time glided on, and the struggle between his desire to speak out
frankly and his indignant wounded pride continued.

A dozen times over he was on the point of crossing to the stern-looking
old man, and begging him to listen and believe, but Uncle Josiah sat
there with the most uncompromising of expressions on his face, and Don
dared not speak. He dared not trust himself for very shame, as the
incident had so upset him, that he felt sure that he must break down and
cry like a child if he attempted to explain.

After a time there was the sound of voices talking and laughing, and the
click of the heavy latch of the gate. Then through the open windows
came the deep _burr burr_ of Jem's bass, and the shrill inquiring tones
of Sally Wimble, as she eagerly questioned her lord.

Then there were steps, some of which passed the office door; and Don, as
he sat with his head bent over a ledger, knew exactly whose steps those
were, and where the makers of those steps were going to the different
warehouses in the great yard.

Directly after Jem's foot was heard, and he tapped at the door, pushed
it a little way, and waited.

"Come in," said Uncle Josiah, sharply.

Jem entered, doffing his cocked hat, and casting a sympathising look at
Don, who raised his head. Then seeing that his employer was deeply
immersed in the letter he was writing, Jem made a series of
gesticulations with his hat, supplemented by some exceedingly queer
grimaces, all meant as a kind of silent language, which was very
expressive, but quite incomprehensible to Don.

"Well?" said Uncle Josiah, sharply.

"Beg pardon, sir! Thought you'd like to hear how we got on?"

"Well?"

"Went pretty quiet, sir, till we got about half-way there, and then he
begun kicking like mad--leastways he didn't kick, because his legs was
tied, but he let go all he could, and it was hard work to hold the
ladder."

"And he is now safely locked up?"

"Yes, sir, and I've been thinking, sir, as he must have took that money
when Master Don here was up in the warehouse along o' me."

"I daresay we shall find all out by