Part 23 (1/2)
”I went to the lodging of young Ropes, and was admitted to his room.”
”Well?”
”And there, wrapped in a brown paper, I found one of our missing cloaks lying on his bed.”
”Is it possible?”
”I am afraid he is not what we supposed him to be, Mr. Goodnow.”
”It looks like it. I am surprised and sorry. Do you think he took the other articles that are missing?”
”Of course I can't say, sir, but it is fair to presume that he did.”
”I am exceedingly sorry. I don't mind saying, Redwood, that I took an especial interest in that boy. I have already told you the circ.u.mstances of my meeting him, and the fancy taken to him by my friend Mulgrave.”
”Yes, sir, I have heard you say that.”
”I don't think I am easily taken in, and that boy impressed me as thoroughly honest. But of course I don't pretend to be infallible and it appears that I have been mistaken in him.”
The merchant looked troubled, for he had come to feel a sincere regard for Rodney. He confessed to himself that he would rather have found any of the other clerks dishonest.
”You may send Ropes to me,” he said, ”Mr. Redwood, and you will please come with him. We will investigate this matter at once.”
”Very well, sir.”
CHAPTER XIII.
CHARGED WITH THEFT.
Rodney entered Mr. Goodnow's office without a suspicion of the serious accusation which had been made against him. The first hint that there was anything wrong came to him when he saw the stern look in the merchants eyes.
”Perhaps,” said Mr. Goodnow, as he leaned back in his chair and fixed his gaze on the young clerk, ”you may have an idea why I have sent for you.”
”No, sir,” answered Rodney, looking puzzled.
”You can't think of any reason I may have for wis.h.i.+ng to see you?”
”No, sir,” and Rodney returned Mr. Goodnow's gaze with honest unfaltering eyes.
”Possibly you are not aware that within a few weeks some articles have been missed from our stock.”
”I have not heard of it. What kind of articles?”
”The boy is more artful than I thought!” soliloquized the merchant.
”All the articles missed,” he proceeded, ”have been from the room in charge of Mr. Redwood, the room in which you, among others, are employed.”
Something in Mr. Goodnow's tone gave Rodney the hint of the truth. If he had been guilty he would have flushed and showed signs of confusion.