Frank's misgivings were not without good cause.

　　The housekeeper's call at the store was connectedwith him. How, will be understood from a conversationwhich took place that morning betweenher and John Wade.

　　``It's a relief to get that boy out of the house, Mrs.

　　Bradley,'' he said at the breakfast table.

　　``That it is, Mr. John,'' she replied. ``But he'll betrying to get back, take my word for it.''

　　``He won't dare to,'' said John Wade,incredulously. ``I told him if he came near the house Iwould give him up to the police.''

　　``I am afraid he will write to your uncle. He'sbold enough for anything.''

　　``I didn't think of that,'' said John, thoughtfully.

　　``Do you know his handwriting, Mrs. Bradley?''

　　``I think I should know it.''

　　``Then if any letters come which you know to befrom him, keep them back from my uncle.''

　　``What shall I do with them?''

　　``Give them to me. I don't want my uncle worriedby his appeals.''

　　``Your uncle seems to be very attached to him.

　　He may go to the store to see him.''

　　``That is true. I should not like that. How shallwe prevent it, that's the question.''

　　``If Gilbert & Mack knew that he was not honestthey would discharge him.''

　　``Exactly,'' said John Wade; ``and as probably hewould be unable to get another situation, he wouldbe compelled to leave the city, and we should get ridof him. I commend your shrewdness, Mrs. Bradley.

　　Your plan is most excellent.''

　　John Wade had more reasons than the housekeeperknew of for desiring the removal of our young herofrom the city--reasons which the reader has probablyguessed. There was a dark secret in his lifeconnected with a wrong done in years past, from whichhe hoped some day to reap personal benefit. UnconsciouslyFrank Fowler stood in his way, and mustbe removed. Such was his determination.

　　``I am going out this morning,'' said thehousekeeper. ``I will make it in my way to call at Gilbert& Mack's. My nephew is a salesman there, as Ihave told you. I will drop a word in his ear, andthat will be enough to settle that boy's hash.''

　　``Your language is professional, Mrs. Bradley,''

　　said John Wade, laughing, ``but you shouldn't alludeto hash in an aristocratic household. I shall be gladto have you carry out your plan.''

　　``I hope you'll speak to your uncle about mynephew, Mr. John. He gets very poor pay wherehe is.''

　　``I won't forget him,'' said John, carelessly.

　　In his heart he thought Thomas Bradley a verylow, obtrusive fellow, whom he felt by no meansinclined to assist, but it was cheap to make promises.

　　The reader understands now why Mrs. Bradleymade a morning call at Gilbert &; Mack's store.

　　She knew at what part of the counter her nephewwas stationed, and made her way thither at once.

　　He did not at first recognize her, until she said:

　　``Good-morning, Thomas.''

　　``Good-morning, aunt. What brings you here thismorning? Any good news for me? Has the oldgentleman come around and concluded to do something handsome?''

　　``Mr. Wharton is not in the city. He has gone toWashington. But that isn't what I came about thismorning. You remember that boy who has beenreading to Mr. Wharton?''

　　``One of our cash-boys. Yes; there he is, justgone by.''

　　``Well, he has stolen Mr. John's pocketbook andsome jewelry belonging to him.''

　　``What have you done about it? What does Mr.

　　Wharton say?''

　　``He's away from home. He doesn't know yet. Mr.

　　John gave him a lecture, and ordered him to leavethe house.''

　　``Does he admit that he took the things?''

　　``No; he denied it as bold as brass, but it didn'tdo him any good. There were the things in histrunk. He couldn't get over that.''

　　Thomas fastened a shrewd glance on his aunt'sface, for he suspected the truth.

　　``So you've got rid of him?'' he said. ``What doyou propose to do next?''

　　``Mr. John thinks your employer ought to knowthat he is a thief.''

　　``Are you going to tell them?''

　　``I want you to do it.''

　　``You must tell them yourself, aunt. I shan't.''

　　``Then introduce me to Mr. Gilbert, Thomas, andI'll do it.''

　　``Follow me, aunt.''

　　He led his aunt to the rear of the store, whereMr. Gilbert was standing.

　　``Mr. Gilbert,'' he said, ``allow me to introduce myaunt, Mrs. Bradley.''

　　The housekeeper was courteously received, andinvited to be seated. She soon opened her business,and blackened poor Frank's character as she had intended.

　　``Really, Mrs. Bradley, I am sorry to hear this,''

　　said Mr. Gilbert. ``You think there is no doubt ofthe boy's guilt?''

　　``I am sorry to say that I have no doubt at all,''

　　said the housekeeper, hypocritically.

　　``Mr. Mack and myself have had a very good opinionof him. He is faithful and prompt.''

　　``Of course, sir, you will retain him in youremploy if you are willing to take the risk, but I thoughtit my duty to put you on your guard.''

　　``I am obliged to you, Mrs. Bradley; though, a............