"I won't then," said Micky, defiantly.
"We'll see about that."
Gilbert seized him by the shoulders; but Micky was accustomed to fighting, and made a vigorous resistance. In the midst of the fracas Mr. Rockwell came up.
"What does this mean?" he demanded, in a quiet but authoritative tone.
"This young rascal has attempted to force his way in," said the book-keeper, desisting, and with a flushed face.
"I asked to see you," said Micky, "and he said I shouldn't."
"I told him to come," said Mr. Rockwell. "You may come into the counting-room, Michael. Mr. Gilbert, I should like your presence also."
In surprise, not unmingled with foreboding, Mr. Gilbert followed his employer and Micky Maguire into the counting-room.
"Mr. Gilbert," commenced Mr. Rockwell, "are you acquainted with this boy?"
"He blacked my boots on one occasion," said the book-keeper; "I know no more of him except that he is a young vagabond and a thief."