“Do you mean you think me guilty, yet you would help me get another position like this?” asked Tom, determined to see how far Cutler would go.
“Well—er—maybe not a place like this, in a law office, for they would be sure to ask questions. But I’d get you a good place. Come, now, you’d better leave before Mr. Boise gets back with the proof of your guilt.”
“I don’t see how he can get proof of my guilt, when I am not guilty.”
“Oh, I understand all about that,” went on the lawyer, earnestly, as though he was anxious to hurry Tom to a decision. “I was young once myself. You acted hastily. I think I can explain it to Mr. Boise.”
“No!” exclaimed Tom indignantly. “I’ll not run away! I never sent that message, and Mr. Boise will be so informed at the telephone office. Why, if I went now he would have every reason to think me guilty!”
“Well, I’ve done my best for you,” answered the lawyer, as he turned impatiently aside. “When you’re discharged, and looking for a place, don’t blame me. It’s your own fault.”
“I’ll not blame you,” spoke Tom. “I’m not afraid of the consequences. I trust Mr. Boise. He’ll not discharge me unjustly. But if he does, perhaps I can get a place with Dr. Spidderkins,” he said, as a sudden thought came to him.
“Dr. Spidderkins! What sort of a place can you get with him? He doesn’t practice any more?”
The lawyer seemed strangely excited.
“I know that,” replied Tom, “but perhaps he would be glad to hire me to help look after his estate. I understand he has quite a large one, and that his brother-in-law would like to get possession of it.”