and I do
not know how I am to pay my expenses. If it was any fault of mine that
had brought me into this situation, I would not complain, but it seems
hard to suffer when I am innocent.

"'I do not ask to return to your house, Mr. Wharton, for it would not
be pleasant, since your nephew and Mrs. Bradley dislike me, but I have a
right to ask that the truth may be told to my employers, so that if
they do not wish me to return to their service, they may, at least,
be willing to give me a recommendation that will give me a place
elsewhere."'

"I must prevent the boy communicating with my uncle, if it is a possible
thing. 'Strike while the iron is hot,' I say."

"I think that is very judicious, Mr. John. I have no doubt you will know
how to manage matters."

John Wade dressed himself for a walk, and drawing out a cigar, descended
the steps of his uncle's house into the street.

He reached Fifth Avenue, and walked slowly downtown. He was about
opposite Twenty-eighth Street, when he came face to face with the
subject of his thoughts.

"Where are you going?" John Wade demanded sternly.

"I don't know that I am bound to answer your question," answered Frank,
quietly, "but I have no objection. I am going to Thirty-ninth Street
with this bundle."

"Hark you, boy! I have something to say to you," continued John Wade,
harshly. "You have had the impudence to write to my uncle."

"What did he say?"

"Nothing that you would like to hear. He looks upon you as a thief."

"You have slandered me to him, Mr. Wade," he said, angrily. "You might
be in better business than accusingly a poor boy falsely."

"Hark you, young man! I have had enough of your impudence. I will give
you a bit of advice, which you will do well to follow. Leave this city
for a place where you are not known, or I may feel disposed to shut you
up on a charge of theft."

"I shall not leave the city, Mr. Wade," returned Frank, firmly. "I shall
stay here in spite of you," and without waiting for an answer, he walked
on.

CHAPTER XVI

AN ACCOMPLICE FOUND

No sooner had John Wade parted from our hero than he saw approaching him
a dark, sinister-looking man, whom he had known years before.

"Good-morning, Mr. Wade," said the newcomer.

"Good-morning, Mr. Graves. Are you busy just now?"

"No, sir; I am out of employment. I have been unfortunate."

"Then I will give you a job. Do you see that boy?" said John Wade,
rapidly.

"Yes, I see him."