"Probably he will," replied Mr. Mann, "and in that case the trouble is certainly all downstairs. You need not mention this occurrence to any one."
Mr. Mann went below; and there were no more interruptions for that day. But trouble was in the air, and on the following day the climax came.
Richard was alone in the stock-room, Frank having just gone below on business. There was a clatter on the stairs, and turning to see what was the matter Richard confronted Earle Norris.
The shipping-clerk was pale, but his manner showed that he was also angry, whether reasonably or not remained to be seen.
"You little greenhorn, you!" he cried. "What do you mean by getting me into trouble?"
"I don't know as I have," replied Richard, as coolly as he could; and, not wishing to engage in a personal encounter, he very wisely placed several cases between himself and his angry accuser.
"Yes, you have!" roared Norris. "You told Mr. Mann that that order from Pittsburgh was sent down all right, and that if any of the goods were changed they were changed downstairs."
"I told no one anything of the kind," replied Richard briefly, though he could readily understand the mistake under which Norris was laboring.
"Yes, you did."
"No, I did not."