The result was that the next afternoon Rodney was summoned to the office.
“Sit down Ropes,” said the superintendent. “For what store did you work before you came into our house?”
“Otis Goodnow’s.”
“Under what circumstances did you leave?”
“I was accused of theft.”
“You did not mention this matter when you applied for a situation here.”
“No, sir. I ought perhaps to have done so, but I presumed in that case you would not have given me a place.”
“You are right he would not.”
“Nor would I have applied had the charge been a true one. Articles were certainly missing from Mr. Goodnow’s stock, but in accusing me they did me a great injustice.”
“How long since you left Mr. Goodnow’s?”