“Now, Shirley,” said Mr. Willing, sternly, “tell me all that you know about this matter.”
Shirley hesitated, but knew well it was useless. So, starting with the first conversation she had overheard between Jones and Jimmy, she told it all. At the conclusion of her story, Mr. Willing turned a grave look upon Jimmy.
“So you thought of selling me out, eh?”
Jimmy hung his head but made no reply.
“Daddy,” interrupted Shirley, “he did no such thing. He was just tempted; that’s all.”
“That he should even listen to the voice of the tempter is enough for me,” said Mr. Willing. “Smith, you may pack your clothes and leave the first thing in the morning.”
Jimmy bowed his head, and started to leave the room.
But Shirley ran across the room and stopped him. Standing between him and the door through which he would have left, she turned flashing eyes upon her father.
“Shame upon you,” she said, pointing an accusing finger at him. “But for Jimmy, there is no telling what might have happened to Gabriel this night. You know as well as I do that Jimmy is perfectly honest. You shan’t drive him away.”
“This is my business,” said Mr. Willing.