Gerald's face lighted up when he saw the entrance of his friend. So did that of Mr. Tubbs.
"Now I shall be able to show that you were lying," said the grocer, triumphantly.
"What is the matter?" asked the bank teller, turning from one to the other.
"Mr. Barton," said the grocer, "you come just in good time; This boy has robbed me of a five-dollar bill."
"Impossible!" exclaimed the bank teller. "Gerald Lane is an honest boy."
"So I thought myself; but you are liable to be deceived in boys. Mr. Brandon saw him take the bill from the drawer, and told me. I have searched him and found the bill in his possession. Now he has the assurance to say that he got the bill from you."
"What!" ejaculated the grocer, starting back in amazement.
"It is true. I gave Gerald a five-dollar bill."
"That is just what I told you, Mr. Tubbs," said Gerald, triumphantly.
"But," said the grocer, "Brandon says he saw him take a bill from the drawer, and I miss a five-dollar note."
"Then all I can say is that Mr. Brandon has probably told you what is not true."
"I mean what I say," said Mr. Barton, sternly.
"I know Gerald Lane, and I would trust him implicitly."
"But a bill has been taken from my drawer," said the grocer.
"Mr. Tubbs, I will thank you to give me back my money," said Gerald.
"I don't know that I ought to do it, after what I have heard about you," said Mr. Tubbs, hesitating. "The bill could not have gone away by itself."
"That is true enough, but I am not the only one employed in the store."
The grocer was badly confused. He had decided beyond a doubt that Gerald was a thief; but then Mr. Barton vouched for him, and Mr. Barton was a man of consideration.
He gave back the bill to Gerald, but with reluctance.
"It seems, then," he said, "that I am to bear the loss."
"Yes," said Mr. Barton, "unless you discover who took your money."
"I shall feel uncomfortable to think I have a thief in the store."
"So far as I am concerned," Gerald said, proudly, "you will have no trouble. I resign my position."
"I guess you'd better stay till the end of the week," said Mr. Tubbs. "I can't fill your place right off."
"I will do so to oblige you. If another such charge is brought against me I shall leave you at once."
Here Mr. Barton made his purchase. As he left the store he said: