"You are a good fellow, Brandon," said the grocer, grasping his hand. "You have done what you ought to do. I feel that you are a true friend."
"I try to be, sir; but I will own that I had a selfish motive."
"What is it?"
"I thought if you missed the bill you might suspect me."
"No, Brandon; I could hardly do that, after the long time you have been with me."
"Yes, sir, I have been in your employ five years, and I humbly hope that you have found me faithful, sir."
"Yes, Brandon," said the deceived grocer, "I have always found you faithful."
Brandon laughed in his sleeve. He found his task easier than he had supposed it would be. Mr. Tubbs was a ready dupe.
"It seems terrible," said the grocer. "What would his poor father have said if he had lived to know of the boy's dishonesty?"
"Perhaps if his father had lived he would not have stolen."