There were two ways now in which he could be detected. His mother might go to the bureau-drawer and find that the bank-book was missing, or the cashier might casually ask Mr. Parker, if the latter had occasion to enter the bank, if his son had an idea of going into business.
A question like that would, of course, excite the lawyer's curiosity, and might lead to inquiries on his part that would bring the whole plot to light.
It was only by neglecting his books entirely, and dwelling upon the joys of a hunter's life, that Leon could keep up his courage.
He failed completely in every one of his recitations, and his teacher, losing all patience at last, informed him that if those lessons were not fully mastered by the next time he came into the class-room, he would have the privilege of studying them after school.
"Not much I won't study those lessons after school!" said Leon to himself, as he returned to his seat. "I have been kept as a delinquent for the last time. I hope that after to-day I shall never see a school-book."
When the cousins started for home that night, the fears that had haunted them all the day long increased tenfold.
Leon did not want to face his father and mother after what he had done, and he took good care to keep out of their way until supper-time.
It was a wonder that Mr. and Mrs. Parker did not suspect the boys of some wrong-doing, for their agitation, when they came downstairs in response to the call of the bell, was almost too palpable to escape notice.
They arose from the table after making a very light supper, and started for their room.
That was the last time Leon expected to see his father and mother that night, and perhaps forever; and he was already telling himself that all danger of discovery was past, when his father suddenly called to him.