a means by which you may satisfy yourself. My
mother keeps Harry's money for him, and perhaps, if you look it over,
you will find more marked pieces."

"Mr. Wake, I'm innocent," protested Harry, when he had in some measure
recovered from the first shock of the heavy blow. "I never stole a
cent from anybody."

"I don't believe you ever did, Harry. But can you explain how this
money happened to be in your pocket?"

"I cannot, sir. If you wish to look at my money, Mrs. Flint will show
it to you."

"Perhaps I had better."

"Don't let him go with you, though," said Edward, maliciously.

Mr. Wake wrote an order to Mrs. Flint, requesting her to exhibit the
money, and Harry signed it. The senior then hastened to Avery Street.

"Now, Master Spy!" sneered Edward, when he had gone. "So you have been
watching me, I thought as much."

"I only did what Mr. Wade told me to do," replied Harry, exceedingly
mortified at the turn the investigation had taken.

"Humph! That is the way with you psalm-singers. Steal yourself, and
lay it to me!"

"I did not steal. I never stole in my life."

"Wait and see."

In about half an hour Mr. Wake returned.

"I am sorry, Harry, to find that I have been mistaken in you. Is it
possible that one who is outwardly so correct in his habits should be
a thief? But your career is finished," said he, very sternly, as he
entered the office.

"Nothing strange to the rest of us," added Edward. "I never knew one
yet who pretended to be so pious that did not turn out a rascal."

"And such a hypocrite!"

"Mr. Wake, I am neither a thief nor a hypocrite," replied Harry, with
spirit.

"I found four of the coins--four half dollars--which I marked first,
at Mrs. Flint's," said the senior, severely.

Harry was astounded. Those half dollars were part of the money paid
him by Edward, and he so explained how they came in his possession.

"Got them from me!" exclaimed Edward, with well-feigned surprise. "I
never borrowed a cent of him in my life; and, of course, never paid
him a cent."

Harry looked at Edward, amazed at the coolness with which he uttered
the monstrous lie. He questioned him in regard to the transaction, but
the young reprobate reiterated his declaration with so much force and
art that Mr. Wake was effectually deceived.

Our hero, conscious of his innocence, however strong appearances were
against him, behaved with considerable spirit, which so irritated Mr.
Wake that he sent for a