say
you understand this renting business. It is very complicated. There
are many charges I have to meet which makes the amounts received for
rent much less than you have figured. Besides, the property is in bad
shape, it needs repairs, and it is going down in value."

"You said a little while ago that it was increasing."

The agent started. He saw he had made a mistake.

"Oh, well," he said impatiently. "You are only a boy; you can't
understand it."

"I may be only a boy, but I think I understand what is going on, and
that is that you are cheating my father and me. I was in the building
to-day. It is in excellent repair."

"Don't you dare accuse me of cheating!" exclaimed Mr. Annister, but his
tone was not as blustering as it had been.

"I believe that is the truth."

"What do you intend to do?" inquired the agent, as he saw that Roy was
firm. "Not that it makes any difference to me, for I shall communicate
with your father, but I do not want you to come here and annoy me."

He was beginning to be afraid of what Roy might disclose.

"I intend to make you return the money you have unlawfully retained. I
believe it is called embezzling, and is a criminal offense. But I will
give you a little time. I shall call here a week from to-day. If, by
that time, you do not have what I consider a proper sum ready to send
to my father I shall consult with the police."

"Pooh! The police will never interfere. This is a civil matter--not
criminal."

"I think it is criminal. But I will wait one week. In the meanwhile I
shall write to my father and see what he advises me to do. But I shall
report all the facts in the case."

"Get out of my office!" exclaimed the now angry and frightened real
estate agent. "I believe you are an impostor. If you annoy me again I
shall have you arrested!"

[Illustration: "Get out of my office!"]

"I'll leave your office, because I have finished my business with you,
and not because I am afraid of arrest," answered Roy coolly. "You know
I am not an impostor. I can prove who I am. I shall call on you again
in a week," and he went out in time to surprise the office boy with his
ear at the key hole, listening to what was going on.

"Cracky!" exclaimed the little lad, when Roy had gone out. "He
certainly talked to the boss like a Dutch Uncle."

Meanwhile Mr. Annister sat in his office chair, much disturbed in his
mind. He was in great alarm, for he knew Roy was no impo