But it is not with the celebration of Dominion Day that you and I are concerned, much as we should enjoy an afternoon with the husky young athletes of the prairie. Other events, essential to the progress of our story, were under way, and demand our attention.
By common consent the Plainville stores remained open on Dominion Day until eleven in the forenoon, when they closed to enable the proprietors and their staffs to enjoy the day’s celebration. It had been a busy forenoon, and Burton was hurriedly sweeping up behind the grocery counter after the blinds had been drawn, when Graves approached and leaned over the counter, watching him. Burton was conscious of the eyes upon him, and at length looked up. It was evident his fellow employee had something on his mind.
“I want to say that I have a rather disagreeable piece of information for you, Burton,” said Graves, after a moment’s hesitation. “Did you ever wonder why I came out here and took this job with Gardiner?”
“No, I can’t say that I did,” the other replied. “I supposed you were looking for employment and this was the first thing to turn up. But there has been nothing disagreeable to me about it.”
“Unfortunately there will be, shortly, and I assure you the whole thing, as it is turning out, is little to my liking. Burton, you’re not suspicious enough for a criminal career. Do I look like a store clerk?”
There was a touch of sarcasm in the last two words which did not escape his hearer, but the reference to a criminal career had cut much deeper.
“What do you mean?” he demanded. “What right have you to speak to me in this way?”
“Now don’t get angry,” said Graves. “You lost your temper here once before, and while I don’t say I blame you, the rough-house with Elton didn’t improve your case any. Fact is, if you can’t see it for yourself, that I’m not here to sell goods, but to _watch you_!”
“Watch me?” exclaimed Burton, straightening up and taking in the other man at a glance as though measuring him physically. “Then you’re a——”
“Well, what have you found? Can you add anything to a bunch of keys and a suspicion?”
“I haven’t found much yet, but I expect to shortly. That’s why I wanted to speak to you now. I have a warrant to search your room and personal belongings, and I propose to do so to-day. It’s altogether unprofessional in me to tip you off, but, hang it, I like you, Burton, and if there’s any changes you want to make down there slip away and get them done, and I won’t be down for half-an-hour.”