“Won’t it do tomorrow morning? I have an engagement.”

“Put it off, then. This is a matter of importance.”

“Very well, sir,” and Jasper, albeit reluctantly, laid down his hat and sat down.

“Jasper,” said his uncle, “there’s a thief in our establishment.”

Jasper started, and his sallow complexion turned yellower than usual.

“What do you mean, uncle?” he asked nervously.

“What I say. Some articles are missing that have not been sold.”

“Such as what?”

“Ladies’ cloaks and dress patterns.”

“Who told you?” asked Jasper in a low tone.