CHAPTER XXIII.
STRANGE DISCOVERIES.
Frank Massanet was surprised and delighted to have Richard come to work again.
"You have indeed a good friend in Mr. Joyce," he remarked when the boy had told him what the leather merchant had done. "One such is worth a thousand of the common sort."
During the afternoon Earle Norris had occasion to come up to the stock-room. He started back upon seeing Richard at work.
"Why, I thought you had taken a vacation!" he exclaimed.
"So I did—for an hour," replied Richard, and without further words went on with his work.
"Why, I thought—" began the shipping-clerk.
"What did you think?" demanded Frank, coming forward.
"Why I—I——" stammered Norris. "What business is it of yours?" he added rudely.