the boy
repeated, and further than this he positively refused to speak.

"Then it's time you went home," the official finally said, in an angry
tone. "You know so much about this thing that I don't believe it's safe
to have you where there are many valuable things which might be stolen."

"If you think I'm a thief, why not send me to jail with Sam?"

"I shall suggest to Mr. Wright that you be arrested, and I fancy he'll
follow my advice."

Fred walked out of the store knowing that several of the clerks had
overheard the latter portion of the conversation, and believing those
whom he met on the street already looked upon him as a thief.

"It can't be helped, my boy," his mother said. "You have the
satisfaction of knowing the accusation is false, and that must suffice
until the time when the whole affair is brought to light."

"I'm afraid that never will be. Everybody thinks Sam is lying, and if we
should tell of the coal we discovered the folks would say for sure he
stole the money."

During the remainder of the day Fred staid in the house, not so much as
showing his face at the window, and shortly after sunset Bill called.

"I've found out who owns the land," he cried triumphantly.

"I wish we'd never walked across the mountain."

"Now don't be foolish, lad."

"How can I help it when people call me a thief."

"I heard the cashier had kinder turned you out: but that don't 'mount to
anything. Wait till the superintendent comes back."

"He'll believe as the others do."

"Then wait till I catch the real thief."

"You?"

"I'm going to try it."

"But you can't leave the mine."

"That's jest what I have done."

"What? Have you thrown up the job?"

"Me an' the cashier had a little tiff a few minutes ago, an' I've closed
accounts with Farley's."

"I hope you didn't take up what he said to me."

"Well, I kinder had a row on my own account, but that ain't neither here
nor there. We're both loafin' now, an' I want you to take a trip with
me."

"Where?"

"I ain't jest sure, but we'll strike Blacktown first, an' then go
wherever things look most promisin'."

"Have you heard anything?" Mrs. Byram asked, as she gazed at the man
sharply.

"I can't say I have, an' I can't say I haven't. Skip give me a idee
that's worth workin' up even if it comes to nothin', so we'll have a
vacation."

"Tell me what you've heard?" Fred cried, excitedly.

"It ain't so very much, only jest enough to set me thinkin'. O