the broker was
seated.

"I came about my rent," he said.

"You can speak to Mr. Mullins," said the broker, going on with his
writing.

"I would rather speak with you, sir."

"How is that?" asked Mr. Fairchild, his attention excited.

"I will tell you, sir," said the bookkeeper, with an ugly look. "This
man came here yesterday and declined to pay his rent, because, he said,
he had paid it already."

"And I had," said Long, quietly. "I am a mechanic on small wages, and I
can't afford to pay my rent twice."

"Did you pay the rent to Mr. Mullins?"

"Yes, sir."

"When?"

"Day before yesterday."

"Then he gave you a receipt?"

"He did, sir."

"It seems to me that than settles the question. Did you give him a
receipt, Mr. Mullins?"

"If I had, he could show it now. He says that he left it behind in the
office here. Of course, that's too thin!"

"It is very important to take good care of your receipt, Mr. Long."

"Did you ever lose or mislay a receipt, sir?"

"Yes, I have on two or three occasions."

"So that I am not the only one to whom it has happened."

"Mr. Mullins, did Mr. Long come to the office on the day when he says
he paid the rent?"

"Yes, sir."

"And he didn't pay it?"

"No, sir. He said he hadn't the money, but would bring it in a few
days."

James Long listened in indignant astonishment.

"That is untrue, sir. I made no excuse, but handed Mr. Mullins the
amount in full."

"There is a very extraordinary discrepancy in your statements. You say
that he wrote out a receipt?"

"Yes, sir."

"It is a pity that you can't produce it."

"Yes," chimed in Mullins, with a sneer, "it is unlucky that you cannot
produce it."

Then came a sensation.

"I can produce it," said Long. "The receipt has been found," and he
drew out the slip of paper and passed it to Mr. Fairchild.

The face of Mullins was a study. His amazement was deep and genuine.

"It must be a forgery," he said. "Mr. Long can't possibly have a
receipt."

"You are mistaken," said Mr. Fairchild. "The receipt and the signature
are genuine, and it is written on one of our letter heads."

Mullins took the receipt and faltered:

"I don't understand it."

"Nor do I," said the broker, sternly. "Did you make any entry on the
books?"

"I--I don't remember."

"Show me the record."

Mr. Fairchild opened the book, and saw an entry made, but afterward
erased.

When the bookkeeper found the receipt on the table, a promis