CHAPTER IV.
HARRY'S SECRET.
On his way home Joe's thoughts were very busy. He well remembered that Harry had wanted two dollars more with which to pay for the silk hat. The hat had been bought. Where had his brother procured the needed sum?
"I'll never believe he took the box—never!" he told himself, over and over again. "Harry is too honest for anything of that sort."
He wanted to ask his brother about the two dollars as soon as he arrived home, but, for some reason, could not bring himself to do so. He told his mother about the missing box and she became interested immediately.
"Some sneak thief must have taken it," she said. "I declare, Lakeport is not as safe a place to live in as it used to be."
"I saw that box when I was down to the store," said Harry. "It was not over three feet from the window."
"Did you see anybody in the alleyway?" asked Joe.
"No," answered Harry, and then he turned away to bring in some wood for the wood-box. He had his arm full of sticks when his father came into the yard.
"Harry!" called out Mr. Westmore. "Wait a minute; I want to speak to you."