ut, as he
obtained the loan, he did not resent the kindly act.

About a fortnight after, Edward paid him the money. It consisted of a
two-dollar bill and six half dollars. Harry was about to make a
further application of his views of duty to his friend's case, when
Edward impatiently interrupted him, telling him that, as he had got
his money, he need not preach. This was just before Harry went home to
dinner.

On his return Mr. Wake called him into the private office, and when
they had entered he closed and locked the door. Harry regarded this as
rather a singular proceeding; but, possessing the entire confidence of
his employers, it gave him no uneasiness.

"Harry," Mr. Wake began, "we have been losing money from the store for
the last year or more. I have missed small sums a great many times."

"Indeed!" exclaimed Harry, not knowing whether he was regarded as a
confidant or as the suspected person.

"To-day I gave a friend of mine several marked coins, with which he
purchased some goods. These coins have all been stolen."

"Is it possible, sir!"

"Now, we have four salesmen besides yourself. Which stole it?"

"I can form no idea, sir," returned Harry. "I can only speak for
myself."

"Oh, well, I had no suspicion it was you," added Mr. Wade, with a
smile. "I am going to try the same experiment again; and I want you to
keep your eyes on the money drawer all the rest of the afternoon."

"I will do so, sir."

Mr. Wade took several silver coins from his pocket and scratched them
in such a way that they could be readily identified, and then
dismissed Harry, with the injunction to be very vigilant.

When he came out of the office he perceived that Edward and Charles
Wallis were in close conversation.

"I say, Harry, what's in the wind?" asked the former, as our hero
returned to his position behind the counter.

Harry evaded answering the question, and the other two salesmen, who
were very intimate and whose tastes and amusements were very much
alike, continued their conversation. They were evidently aware that
something unusual had occurred, or was about to occur.

Soon after, a person appeared at the counter and purchased a dozen
spools of cotton, offering two half dollars in payment. Harry kept his
eye upon the money drawer, but nothing was discovered. From what he
knew of Edward's mode of life, he was prepared to believe that he was
the guilty person.

The experiment was tried for three days in succes