"It was three pounds sixteen shillings and sixpence," he replied, with a regretful sigh.
"The police have no clue to the thief, I suppose?" Mr. Dawson questioned.
"No, and are not likely to get one. They agree with me it was doubtless Herbert Hambly—I don't suppose that is his real name, by the way—because he has disappeared from the neighbourhood altogether. I think most likely we shall never hear of him again; I am sure I hope not."
Shortly after tea Mr. Dawson took his departure. He was perfectly satisfied with the results of his visit, for he had left his little niece looking bright and contented; and he knew John Monday would consider the news that his late master did not want him again the best he could hear; besides which, the good man was delighted that he had obtained forgiveness for the boy, so that altogether he returned home in excellent spirits.
[CHAPTER XXV]
CHANGES
THE day following Mousey's return to her cousin's home was the first of the winter term, and she went back to school with a light heart to compare her experiences of the holidays with those of the other girls. Even Nellie Thomas had not had a brighter or happier time than Mousey.
Engrossed with her work, interested in her teachers and school-fellows, it was natural that the little girl should not miss John Monday much, except perhaps when she had a difficult sum to master and lacked his willing help. She had enough home work now to keep her occupied nearly all the evenings, so that she had no spare time on her hands except on the weekly holiday.
"They are not working you too hard at school, are they?" said Mr. Harding one night a trifle anxiously, as Mousey at last closed her books and laid them aside.
"Oh, no, Cousin Robert," she answered brightly. "You know I want to get on so as to be raised into a higher class next term."