he storm broke.

One day, as he entered the store, he noticed that Simon Rich was looking
grave and stern.

"Andrew," he said, without preface, "something very disagreeable has
happened."

"What is it, Mr. Rich?"

"A gold watch has disappeared from this case."

"A valuable one?" asked Andy, innocently.

"It is one that retails at fifty dollars. I would not have had this
occur during Mr. Flint's absence for twice that sum."

"Have you any idea of what has become of it?"

"Not at present, but as you and my nephew are in the store so much, of
course you would have opportunities of taking it."

"Uncle Simon," said John, who was present, "I insist on your searching
me."

"I will do so, though I am sure neither you nor Andrew is at fault."

"Search me, too, Mr. Rich," said Andy, fearlessly.

Nothing was found on John, but thrusting his hand into the upper pocket
of Andy's vest, Simon Rich drew out a folded paper.

"What is this?" he cried. "A pawn ticket for a gold watch? What does
this mean?"

"Let me see it," said Andy, dumfounded.

It was a ticket issued by a Third Avenue pawnbroker for a gold watch, on
which ten dollars appeared to have been loaned. The name of the borrower
appeared as A. Grant.

"Miserable boy!" said the salesman, severely; "so you have turned thief.
What a hypocrite you must be!"

"I don't know what it means," faltered Andy, quite overwhelmed.

CHAPTER XIX.

ANDY IS DISCHARGED.

"You don't know what it means!" repeated Simon Rich in a sarcastic tone.
"Probably not. I understand it."

"Do you think I stole a watch and pawned it, Mr. Rich?" demanded Andy,
with spirit.

"There seems to be absolute proof of your dishonesty. Will you explain
how, otherwise, this pawn ticket is found in your pocket?"

"I can't explain it, nor can I understand it. All I can say is, that I
never saw it before."

"You must think I am a fool to be deceived by such a story."

"I can't believe that Andy pawned a watch," said John Crandall,
hypocritically.

"Will you be kind enough to inform me who did, then?" asked his uncle,
with pretended severity.

"I can't guess."

"Nor any one else, I fancy. Of course, Andrew, after this proof of your
dishonesty, I cannot retain you in my, or rather in Mr. Flint's
employment."

"Mr. Rich, will you do me a favor?"

"What is it?"

"Will you go with me to the pawnbroker who issued the ticket and ask him
if he ever saw me before?"

"I have no t