"And you suspected me!" exclaimed Oscar, his face reddening with indignation.
"Well, yes; that's the plain English of it. But we have since found out that we made a woeful mistake. The guilty one has been discovered, and has made a full confession, in which he took particular pains to clear you of all suspicion. Now, we are anxious to make all the amends in our power. Do you want to come back here at thirty dollars a month?"
"No, sir," replied Oscar promptly.
The two grocers seemed very much surprised at this answer. They looked at each other and at Oscar, as if they were waiting for him to say something more, but as he did not speak, Mr. Smith continued:
"Then we'll say thirty-five; and that is almost double the amount we paid you before."
"I am very much obliged to you, but I cannot accept the offer," answered Oscar.
"You do not bear us any ill-will, I hope," said Mr. Anderson.
"None whatever, I assure you. I am overjoyed to know that you no longer believe me to be dishonest, and I shall think of you with as kindly feelings as I ever did; but I can't come back to the store, for I have something better in prospect."
"For your sake, I am very glad to hear it; for my own, I am sorry," said Mr. Smith, and the words came from his heart. "If the time ever comes when we can advance your interests in any way, do not hesitate to call upon us. You are at perfect liberty to use the firm's name whenever it will be of benefit to you. We know you to be an honest, capable boy, and we shall take pleasure in recommending you as such."