“Yes. He was in the office, probably waiting for the vacancy.”
“The plan seems to have been cut and dried. What sort of a boy is Felix?”
“I don’t know him very well. He seems on confidential terms with Mr. Mullins.”
“Did the bookkeeper have any other reasons for disliking you?”
“Yes; I interfered to prevent his cheating a mechanic out of his month’s rent.”
“State the circumstances.”
Chester did so.
“How long has Mr. Mullins been in Mr. Fairchild’s employ?”
“About five years, I think I have heard.”
“That speaks well for him. Probably his acquaintance with Ralston is recent, or he would have done something before this to insure his discharge.”