s the parcel there when you made the bed?"

"Well, no, it wasn't. That is curious."

"It shows that the parcel has been left here since. Now I certainly
couldn't have left it, for I have been at work all the morning. Come up
stairs, Jasper."

The two boys went up the stairs, and, entering Rodney's room, found the
parcel, still on the bed.

Rodney opened it and identified the cloak as exactly like those which
they carried in stock.

He examined the paper in which it was inclosed, but it seemed to differ
from the wrapping paper used at the store. He called Jasper's attention
to this.

"I have nothing to say," remarked Jasper, shrugging his shoulders. "I
don't understand the matter at all. I suppose you are expected to carry
the cloak back to the store."

"Yes, that is the only thing to do."

"I say, Ropes, it looks pretty bad for you."

Jasper said this, but Rodney observed that his words were not
accompanied by any expressions of sympathy, or any words that indicated
his disbelief of Rodney's guilt.

"Do you think I took this cloak from the store?" he demanded, facing
round upon Jasper.

"Really, I don't know. It looks bad, finding it in your room."

"I needn't ask any further. I can see what you think."

"You wouldn't have me tell a lie, would you, Ropes? Of course such
things have been done before, and your salary is small."

"You insult me by your words," said Rodney, flaming up.

"Then I had better not speak, but you asked me, you know."

"Yes, I did. Things may look against me, but I am absolutely innocent."

"If you can make Mr. Goodnow think so," said Jasper with provoking
coolness, "it will be all right. Perhaps he will forgive you."

"I don't want his forgiveness. I want him to think me honest."

"Well, I hope you are, I am sure, but it won't do any good our
discussing it, and it doesn't make any difference what I think any way."

By this time they had reached the store.

CHAPTER XIV.

RODNEY IS DISCHARGED.

Rodney reported his return to Mr. Redwood, and in his company went down
stairs to the office, with the package under his arm.

"Well?" said Mr. Goodnow inquiringly.

"This is the package, sir."

"And it was found in your room?"

"Yes, sir, I found it on my bed."

"Can't you account for it being there?" asked the merchant searchingly.

"No, sir."

"You must admit that its presence in your room looks bad for you."

"I admit it sir; but I had nothing to do with