"I ought to be, but it is as I told you. I can't understand it. There have been times when I did less business and made more money."
"Perhaps you don't make as large profits?"
"Yes, I do. I sell at the same prices, and I don't pay any more for goods."
Gerald thought over this problem, and it puzzled him too. It set him to examining the books which were under his charge. The result was very favorable to the business. From the books, it should have paid well.
But the next day a startling light was thrown upon the mystery.
Gerald saw Brandon go to the money-drawer to deposit fifty cents, which he had received in payment for some groceries. He did deposit it, but at the same time he slyly drew out a bill which he carried away with him.
"That explains it!" thought Gerald, drawing a deep breath. "What ought I to do?"
CHAPTER XIII
AN ARTFUL TRICK
It was a difficult matter to decide. Gerald had a natural dislike to become an informer or expose his fellow-clerk, though he felt that Mr. Tubbs ought to know how he was being robbed. So he let the day pass without speaking of what he had seen. He was no longer surprised that Brandon could spend so much money on billiards, since it did not come out of his salary, but out of his employer's till.