Of course Mrs. Massanet as well as Mattie was highly interested in the boys' story, and both were deeply touched at the account of Frying Pan Court and the scene in the little garret room.
"I want to know little Pep," said Mattie. "He is too bright a chap to run the streets." "I guess Doc Lanyard won't let him do that any more," returned Richard. "Especially if he gets that money he's expecting from England."
"That sailor didn't lose anything by being kind to you," remarked
Frank. "I declare you deserve a reward."
"If only some old soldier would turn up, so that you could get your father's pension," went on Mattie, "that would be better than a reward."
"You're right," replied Richard. "Even if we only got a thousand dollars it would help along wonderfully at home."
Monday morning found the two hard at work in the stock-room. About ten o'clock Mr. Mann came up, and beckoned to Richard to come to one corner.
"I want to find out about an order that was shipped on the tenth to Pittsburgh," he said, when they were alone. "There is something wrong about it. You were here by yourself on that day. Do you remember it?"
"To Pittsburgh?" repeated Richard slowly. "Yes, I do. Mr. Williams filled that order."
"Mr. Williams!" Mr. Mann looked surprised. "I don't understand."
"Mr. Williams came up here while I was alone and offered to help me. I said that the Pittsburgh order I couldn't read very well; so he took it and filled it. He will probably remember it."