"Out delivering goods?"
"No; he is through here. I discharged him."
"Discharged him!" returned Mr. Farrington, with seeming surprise.
"Yes; I don't want him any longer."
"I thought he was an excellent clerk."
"Yes, he was, in some respects; but I suspected him of dishonesty, and so let him go."
In the conversation that followed, the trader confirmed the statements of Fred in every particular. It was a good bit of tact on the part of Mr. Farrington to draw Rexford out as he did, for not only did it prove that Fred had told the truth, but the merchant's manner gave him some ideas which he thought would prove valuable in solving the money mystery.
When Fred called at the mill to see Mr. Farrington at the time appointed, the latter greeted him cheerfully.
"Good morning, my boy; I see you are on time," looking at his handsome gold watch.
"Yes, I believe so; I always try to keep my appointments."