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“You have no right to talk this way, Wilson.”

“Indeed I have,” said the clerk, with energy. “There is plainly a thief in your store. Yet the character of everybody here has been proved by years of trust. Two weeks ago you introduced here a boy of very doubtful antecedents, and in that two weeks two serious robberies have been consummated. What is the natural conclusion?”

“Where is the boy? Let us have him here,” said Mr. Leonard, moving angrily to the door.

“No, no! that is no way to act,” cried Wilson. “He is a keen knave; you will put him on his guard.”

“You are right. I was going to act hastily. It does look suspicious for the boy. But I cannot believe him guilty without positive evidence.”

“You must go a different way to get it. Give this matter to the detective, along with the other. I warrant he will make something of it.”

“I will do so,” said Mr. Leonard. “This troubles me sadly, Wilson. After fifteen years of business to find myself suddenly the sport of a daring thief and forger. What can be done?”