FROM BAD TO WORSE
Frank's misgivings were not without good cause.
The housekeeper's call at the store was connected with him.How, will be understood from a conversation which took place that morning between her and John Wade.
``It's a relief to get that boy out of the house, Mrs.
Bradley,'' he said at the breakfast table.
``That it is, Mr.John,'' she replied.``But he'll be trying to get back, take my word for it.''
``He won't dare to,'' said John Wade, incredulously.``I told him if he came near the house Iwould give him up to the police.''
``I am afraid he will write to your uncle.He's bold enough for anything.''
``I didn't think of that,'' said John, thoughtfully.
``Do you know his handwriting, Mrs.Bradley?''
``I think I should know it.''
``Then if any letters come which you know to be from him, keep them back from my uncle.''
``What shall I do with them?''
``Give them to me.I don't want my uncle worried by his appeals.''
``Your uncle seems to be very attached to him.
He may go to the store to see him.''
``That is true.I should not like that.How shall we prevent it, that's the question.''
``If Gilbert & Mack knew that he was not honest they would discharge him.''
``Exactly,'' said John Wade; ``and as probably he would be unable to get another situation, he would be compelled to leave the city, and we should get rid of him.I commend your shrewdness, Mrs.Bradley.
Your plan is most excellent.''
John Wade had more reasons than the housekeeper knew of for desiring the removal of our young hero from the city--reasons which the reader has probably guessed.There was a dark secret in his life connected with a wrong done in years past, from which he hoped some day to reap personal benefit.Unconsciously Frank Fowler stood in his way, and must be removed.Such was his determination.
``I am going out this morning,'' said the housekeeper.``I will make it in my way to call at Gilbert & Mack's.My nephew is a salesman there, as Ihave told you.I will drop a word in his ear, and that will be enough to settle that boy's hash.''
``Your language is professional, Mrs.Bradley,''
said John Wade, laughing, ``but you shouldn't allude to hash in an aristocratic household.I shall be glad to have you carry out your plan.''
``I hope you'll speak to your uncle about my nephew, Mr.John.He gets very poor pay where he is.''
``I won't forget him,'' said John, carelessly.
In his heart he thought Thomas Bradley a very low, obtrusive fellow, whom he felt by no means inclined to assist, but it was cheap to make promises.
The reader understands now why Mrs.Bradley made a morning call at Gilbert &; Mack's store.
She knew at what part of the counter her nephew was stationed, and made her way thither at once.
He did not at first recognize her, until she said:
``Good-morning, Thomas.''
``Good-morning, aunt.What brings you here this morning? Any good news for me? Has the old gentleman come around and concluded to do something handsome?''
``Mr.Wharton is not in the city.He has gone to Washington.But that isn't what I came about this morning.You remember that boy who has been reading to Mr.Wharton?''
``One of our cash-boys.Yes; there he is, just gone by.''
``Well, he has stolen Mr.John's pocketbook and some jewelry belonging to him.''
``What have you done about it? What does Mr.
Wharton say?''
``He's away from home.He doesn't know yet.Mr.
John gave him a lecture, and ordered him to leave the house.''
``Does he admit that he took the things?''
``No; he denied it as bold as brass, but it didn't do him any good.There were the things in his trunk.He couldn't get over that.''
Thomas fastened a shrewd glance on his aunt's face, for he suspected the truth.
``So you've got rid of him?'' he said.``What do you propose to do next?''
``Mr.John thinks your employer ought to know that he is a thief.''
``Are you going to tell them?''
``I want you to do it.''
``You must tell them yourself, aunt.I shan't.''
``Then introduce me to Mr.Gilbert, Thomas, and I'll do it.''
``Follow me, aunt.''
He led his aunt to the rear of the store, where Mr.Gilbert was standing.
``Mr.Gilbert,'' he said, ``allow me to introduce my aunt, Mrs.Bradley.''
The housekeeper was courteously received, and invited to be seated.She soon opened her business, and blackened poor Frank's character as she had intended.
``Really, Mrs.Bradley, I am sorry to hear this,''
said Mr.Gilbert.``You think there is no doubt of the boy's guilt?''
``I am sorry to say that I have no doubt at all,''
said the housekeeper, hypocritically.
``Mr.Mack and myself have had a very good opinion of him.He is faithful and prompt.''
``Of course, sir, you will retain him in your employ if you are willing to take the risk, but I thought it my duty to put you on your guard.''
``I am obliged to you, Mrs.Bradley; though, as I said, I regret to find that my confidence in the boy has been misplaced.''
