up so much of your time."

"Oh, it's of no consequence, sir."

"He is a perfect gentleman," she said to herself, as Mr. Redwood closed
the front door, and went out on the street. "I wonder whether he's a
widower."

Being a widow this was quite a natural thought for Mrs. McCarty to
indulge in, particularly as Mr. Redwood looked to be a substantial man
with a snug income.

Mr. Redwood went back to the store, and went at once to the office.

"Well, Redwood," said Mr. Goodnow, "did you learn anything?"

"Yes, sir."

"Go on."

"I went to the lodging of young Ropes, and was admitted to his room."

"Well?"

"And there, wrapped in a brown paper, I found one of our missing cloaks
lying on his bed."

"Is it possible?"

"I am afraid he is not what we supposed him to be, Mr. Goodnow."

"It looks like it. I am surprised and sorry. Do you think he took the
other articles that are missing?"

"Of course I can't say, sir, but it is fair to presume that he did."

"I am exceedingly sorry. I don't mind saying, Redwood, that I took an
especial interest in that boy. I have already told you the circumstances
of my meeting him, and the fancy taken to him by my friend Mulgrave."

"Yes, sir, I have heard you say that."

"I don't think I am easily taken in, and that boy impressed me as
thoroughly honest. But of course I don't pretend to be infallible and it
appears that I have been mistaken in him."

The merchant looked troubled, for he had come to feel a sincere regard
for Rodney. He confessed to himself that he would rather have found any
of the other clerks dishonest.

"You may send Ropes to me," he said, "Mr. Redwood, and you will please
come with him. We will investigate this matter at once."

"Very well, sir."

CHAPTER XIII.

CHARGED WITH THEFT.

Rodney entered Mr. Goodnow's office without a suspicion of the serious
accusation which had been made against him. The first hint that there
was anything wrong came to him when he saw the stern look in the
merchants eyes.

"Perhaps," said Mr. Goodnow, as he leaned back in his chair and fixed
his gaze on the young clerk, "you may have an idea why I have sent for
you."

"No, sir," answered Rodney, looking puzzled.

"You can't think of any reason I may have for wishing to see you?"

"No, sir," and Rodney returned Mr. Goodnow's gaze with honest
unfaltering eyes.

"Possibly you are not aware that within a few weeks some articles have
been missed from our st