As Andy's board was paid by Walter Gale, he would not be distressed by want of employment, but would be able to remain in New York. He might obtain another position, though he foresaw that it would be useless to apply to Simon Rich for a letter of recommendation.
He had not gone more than a hundred feet when he met a boy whom he knew, named James Callahan.
"How do you happen to be here, Andy?" he asked. "Are you on an errand for the firm?"
"I have left them."
"Why is that?"
"They—or rather the clerk—charged me with stealing a gold watch and pawning it."
"Where?" asked the boy, in some excitement.
Andy pointed out the pawnbroker's shop from which he had just come.
"I saw John Crandall coming out of there yesterday."
"You did?"