n the
afternoon. His sister and Harold hastened to inform him of what had
happened, and to communicate their conviction that Luke was the thief.
Warner said little, but his own suspicions were different. He went up
stairs, and made his aunt a call.

"Well, aunt," he said, "I hear that you have been robbed."

"Yes, Warner, I have lost some money," answered the old lady,
composedly.

"Louisa told me."

"Yes; she suspects Luke of being the thief. Do you agree with her?"

"No, I don't," answered Warner.

Mrs. Merton's face brightened, and she looked kindly at Warner.

"Then you don't share Louisa's prejudice against Luke?" she said.

"No; I like the boy. I would sooner suspect myself of stealing the
money, for, you know, Aunt Eliza, that my record is not a good one,
and I am sure Luke is an honest boy."

Mrs. Merton's face fairly beamed with delight. She understood very
well the low and unworthy motives which influenced her niece and
Harold, and it was a gratifying surprise to find that her nephew was
free from envy and jealousy.

"Warner," she said, "what you say does you credit. In this particular
case I happen to know that Luke is innocent."

"You don't, know the real thief?" asked Warner.

"No; but my reason for knowing that Luke is innocent I will tell you.
The money was safe in my drawer when I went out this morning. It was
taken during my absence from the house. Luke was with me during this
whole time. Of course, it is impossible that he should be the thief."

"I see. Did you tell Louisa this?"

"No; I am biding my time. Besides, I am more likely to find the real
thief if it is supposed that Luke is under suspicion."

"Tell me truly, Aunt Eliza, didn't you suspect me?"

"Since you ask me, Warner, I will tell you frankly that it occurred to
me as possible that you might have yielded to temptation."

"It would have been a temptation, for I have but twenty-five cents.
But even if I had known where you kept your money (which I didn't), I
would have risked applying to you for a loan, or gift, as it would
have turned out to be, rather than fall back into my old disreputable
ways."

"I am very much encouraged by what you say, Warner. Here are ten
dollars. Use it judiciously; try to obtain employment, and when it is
gone, you may let me know."

"Aunt Eliza, you are kinder to me than I deserve. I will make a real
effort to secure employment, and will not abuse your confidence."

"Keep that promise, W