"Do you know him?" asked the book merchant, in much surprise.
"Not much; Frank Massanet told me of him."
And Richard related the particulars.
"But did not Norris try to get me out of a position?" he added.
"Yes—no—I don't know." Mr. Mann contracted his brow, and then a light seemed to break in upon him. "He did cast suspicion upon you, but I thought that was only done for effect—I couldn't exactly understand it."
"Perhaps he wished to get some one in my place—some one who would aid him—that is, if he is the guilty party. Who had my place before?"
"A tall young man named Springer. He was discharged for incompetency.
"Springer!" exclaimed Richard. "That was the name of the doorkeeper at the Laurel Club. He and Norris are great friends."
"Ah! Then I see it. Hold up! We received two applications for your position only last week."
"What were the names?" asked the boy, deeply interested.