me time whether they have had any of them in their
hands for disposal. Please give them to me, sir."

But Mr. Graylock did not appear to be very sanguine that this would lead
to any definite result.

"Here are the numbers on this slip of paper, Goodwyn; but I don't think
you will learn anything that way. The fellow who would be clever enough
to slip those negotiable securities out of the envelope and leave the
others is going to be too smart to leave his trail exposed. This thing
is bound to bring calamity down on my business, and I fear it will soon
pass into the hands of my creditors; but remember, sir, if it turns out
that any one in your employ took those documents I shall hold this bank
responsible to the last dollar," and so saying he hurried away.

CHAPTER XVI

FORTUNE'S FAVORS

The cashier looked relieved after the departure of Mr. Graylock.

As for the teller, he took occasion to shake his fist after the
retreating storekeeper, and shake his head as though he bore the man
anything but brotherly love.

Dick stood there waiting for the cashier to speak.

"You can go about your regular duties, Dick, and say nothing about what
has happened, to any one outside of the bank."

"Then I am not discharged, sir?" asked the boy, a sign of moisture
coming into his eyes as he looked into the face of the cashier.

"Certainly not. There has been nothing proven as yet. Others as well as
you have had access to the safe, and could, if they wished, have opened
the envelope and abstracted those papers. I must have time to think this
over. First I shall call up the Boston firm and settle that point. Then,
when Mr. Gibbs gets here he and I will try to find out just what could
have come of those securities. While you were out, Mr. Winslow, I
searched the safe thoroughly, in the hope that in some unaccountable way
they might have slipped out of the envelope, but they are certainly not
there. I am in a fog just now; but depend upon it, we will find out the
thief."

"I hope so, sir. Come, Dick, I have an errand for you," and the kindly
teller threw his arm about the shoulder of the boy, and in this way
walked into the outer office.

Every eye was immediately fastened on them, and the attitude of Mr.
Winslow was enough in itself to assure Mr. Payson, the bookkeeper, and
Pliny that at least he was convinced of the boy's innocence.

The balance of the day dragged heavily to every one.

Business was almost at a stand