Oliver looked puzzled. He was not yet prepared for an accusation. He attributed Mr. Bond's anger to his annoyance at the loss of twenty dollars. He kept silent, but waited to hear what else his employer had to say.
"I can understand this strange matter," continued Ezekiel, with another sneer. "I am not altogether a fool, and I can tell you why no bill was found."
"Why, sir?"
"Because you opened the letter and took the money out before you reached the tailor's."
He was about to say more, but Oliver interrupted him by an indignant denial.
"That's a lie, sir!" he said hotly. "I don't care who says it."
"Do you mean to tell me I lie?" exclaimed Ezekiel Bond, purple with rage.
"If you charge me with stealing the money, I do!" said Oliver, his face flaming with just indignation.
"You hear that, John Meadows?" said Ezekiel, turning to his other clerk. "Did you ever hear such impudence?"
John Meadows was not a coward nor a sneak, and he had not the slightest belief in Oliver's guilt. To his credit, he dared manfully to avow it.