"No!" cried Sam, opening his eyes and looking very much surprised.
"It's a fact. Mr. Smith informed me, not an hour ago, that he had done me great injustice, and he was sorry for it."
"You don't tell me so!" cried Sam, seating himself on the bench and looking the very picture of amazement and delight. "Who was the guilty rascal?"
"I don't know, and I couldn't find out. I didn't ask Mr. Smith, and he didn't volunteer the information. The clerks were busy in the store to-day, and they were all there except Stuart. He is ill, and will come back as soon as he gets well; so the thief, whoever he is, still holds his position."
Sam was really astonished now, and the delight he feigned became genuine when Oscar continued:
"Mr. Smith told me that my old situation was open to me at thirty-five dollars a month."
"Good!" exclaimed Sam, jumping off the bench and extending his hand. "When do you go back?"
"I am not going back at all. I have something better."
Sam opened his eyes again, and listened attentively while Oscar went on to describe the interview he had had with Professor Potter, and to tell him of the liberal offer the latter had made him.