"Oh!" exclaimed Mr. Farrant, showing a sudden interest in the conversation; "is your name Peters?"
"No," replied Dick in surprise; "my name's Boden, but Peters has something to do with what I've come about.—Have you lost any money, Mr. Broad?"
"I've been robbed of some," answered Jim's employer sternly.
"Was there a shilling amongst it?"
"Yes. Why?"
"I'll tell you soon, sir," said Dick; "but I want to make sure of my ground first. I should like to ask if there was a circle with a starred centre scratched on it?"
"Yes," replied the stationer, now thoroughly interested—"the same mark as on the sixpence which has been found in your friend Hartland's pocket."
"I hope you don't think Jim a thief, sir. He wouldn't steal a pin."
"We aren't listening to testimonials of character," remarked Mr. Farrant dryly; "they can be left to the magistrates. But now, just tell us how you come to know anything about this business."
Jim had not said a word. On seeing his chum his face had become white, and he hardly dared look at him. By degrees, however, he became more composed; and when Dick spoke so emphatically about his honesty, the warm blood surged to his face. Somehow he felt that in some mysterious way Dick would be able to prove his innocence, and his heart grew light at the thought.