"Then how did it come open, that's what I want to know?"

"I am sure I can't tell."

"Somebody might have come in during the night and robbed the store."

"So there might."

"It's very mysterious. Such things didn't happen when Chester was
here."

Abel made no answer, but began to sweep out the store, his first
morning duty.

When Silas spoke of the store being robbed he had no idea that such a
robbing had taken place, but he went to the money drawer and opened it
to make sure all was safe.

Instantly there was a cry of dismay.

"Abel!" he exclaimed, "I've been robbed. There's a lot of money
missing."

Abel stopped sweeping and turned pale.

"Is that so, Mr. Tripp?" he asked, faintly.

"Yes, there's--lemme see. There's been burglars here. Oh, this is
terrible!"

"Who could have done it, Mr. Tripp?"

"I dunno, but the store was entered last night. I never shall feel safe
again," groaned Silas.

"Didn't they leave no traces?"

"Ha! here's a handkerchief," said Mr. Tripp, taking the article from
the top of a flour barrel, "and yes, by gracious, it's marked Chester
Rand."

"You don't think he took the money?" ejaculated Abel, in open-eyed
wonder.

"Of course it must have been him! He knew just where I kept the money,
and he could find his way about in the dark, he knew the store so
well."

"I didn't think Chester would do such a thing."

"That's how he came by his five-dollar bill. He came in bold as brass
and paid me with my own money--the young rascal!"

"But how could he do it if the money was took last night? It was two or
three days ago he paid you the five-dollar bill."

This was a poser, but Mr. Tripp was equal to the emergency.

"He must have robbed me before," he said.

"You haven't missed money before, have you?"

"Not to my knowledge, but he must have took it. Abel, I want you to go
right over to the Widow Rand's and tell Chester I want to see him. I
dunno but I'd better send the constable after him."

"Shall I carry him his handkerchief?"

"No, and don't tell him it's been found. I don't want to put him on his
guard."

Abel put his broom behind the door and betook himself to the house of
Mrs. Rand.

The widow herself opened the door.

"Is Chester at home?" asked Abel.

"Yes, he's eating his breakfast. Do you want to see him?"

"Well, Mr. Tripp wants to see him."

"Possibly he wants Chester to give him a little extra help," she
thought.

"Won't you come in and take