t to retort in no choice terms, but Mr. Rockwell signed to
him to be silent.

"This boy has made a charge against you, Mr. Gilbert," he said, "which
you ought to be made aware of."

"He is capable of any falsehood," said the book-keeper; but he began to
be nervous.

"I thought your acquaintance with him was very slight."

"So it is; but it is easy to judge from his looks what he is."

"That is not always a safe guide. But to the charge. He asserts that you
hired him to fix the charge of theft upon Richard, on account of your
dislike to him."

"So he did, and all he give me was a dollar," said Micky, aggrieved.
"That was mean."

"Do you believe this story?" asked Gilbert, turning to Mr. Rockwell.

"I know that you dislike Richard, Mr. Gilbert."

"So I do. He's artful and bad; but you'll find him out some day."

"I don't think you do him justice. Artful is the very last word I should
apply to him."

"You may be deceived."

"If I am, I shall never put confidence in any boy again. But you haven't
answered the charge, Mr. Gilbert."

"It isn't worth answering," said the book-keeper, scornfully.

"Still, I would be glad to have you give an answer one way or the
other," persisted Mr. Rockwell.

"Then it's a lie, of course."

"It's true," said Micky.

"I hope you consider my word as of more value than this vagabond's,"
said Gilbert, contemptuously.

"Why were you so anxious to prevent his entering, Mr. Gilbert?"

"I didn't see what business he could possibly have here."

"Michael, will you give an account of all that has taken place between
Mr. Gilbert and yourself? I do not yet feel satisfied."

"Mr. Rockwell," said Gilbert, in a passion, "I do not choose to submit
to the insulting investigation you propose. My month is out next
Thursday; I beg leave to resign my situation."

"Your resignation is accepted," said Mr. Rockwell, quietly.

"If it is convenient to you, I should like to leave at once," said the
book-keeper, livid with passion.

"As you please," said his employer. "Your salary shall be paid up to the
end of the month."

To this Gilbert offered no opposition. The balance of his salary was
paid him, and he left the warehouse in a very unpleasant frame of mind,
much to the gratification of Micky Maguire, who felt that his vengeance
was complete.

"Now, Michael," said Mr. Rockwell, "I must see what I can do for you. Do
you wish to give up your present business?"

"Yes," said Micky, "I d