go wrong, and some careless person has misplaced a valuable
paper--we know that after a certain amount of hunting it will be found,
for it could hardly get out of _our_ department; but in your case it
would be different, for your work takes you outside. If the
circumstances looked in the least suspicious, I mean that Mr. Goodwyn
would be apt to condemn you off-hand. Just make up your mind to be
unusually careful, that's all."

"See here, Pliny, you have some reason for telling me this, haven't
you," demanded the other, anxiously.

Again his companion cast that instinctive hasty look around him, and the
reason was obvious, for Mr. Goodwyn's little department was just at the
other side of the thin partition, and if he happened to be in at this
hour, which would be unusual, he could possibly hear voices raised above
the ordinary, and as his decision was generally the controlling factor
in the matter of employment, Pliny might find himself looking for
another job.

"Well, to tell the truth I have. You were out yesterday at noon when I
was eating my lunch, and he happened to be in his room when Mr. Graylock
called to see about some business matter. They talked rather loud, for
you remember Archibald is a trifle deaf, and raises his voice at all
times. I couldn't help but hear, although I paid no particular attention
to what they were saying until I happened to catch your name mentioned."

"My name?" echoed Dick, anxiously.

"Yes, and of course that caused me to sit up and take notice, for I
thought it kind of queer that two business men in consultation should
think about a boy who had nothing to do with their affairs at all," went
on Pliny, lowering his voice still more, until its mysterious character
affected Dick seriously, and he even found himself quivering with
eagerness.

"Who brought me into the conversation first?" he asked.

"I think it was Graylock, for I heard him ask how you were making good,
and from the plain sneer in his tone when he spoke I knew the old fellow
was just hoping Mr. Goodwyn would say not at all, and that he would have
to make a change."

"But he didn't--don't tell me he said _I_ was a failure?"

"Oh! no; on the contrary he admitted that you seemed to be getting along
pretty well, though he also spoke about the new broom sweeping clean,
and that no doubt when the novelty had wore off you would show up just
as many faults as Charlie had."

Dick breathed easier.

"I am glad he said a