"I don't wish you to keep me at Mr. Brandon's request," said Gerald, with spirit. "I do not take back my charge against him."
"Then, Mr. Tubbs," said Brandon, "I have no more to say," and he moved to another part of the store.
Things certainly looked dark for Gerald. The circumstantial evidence against him was of a serious and convincing character. But there was an unexpected witness in his favor just entering the store.
It was Mr. Barton.
Gerald's face lighted up when he saw the entrance of his friend. So did that of Mr. Tubbs.
"Now I shall be able to show that you were lying," said the grocer, triumphantly.
"What is the matter?" asked the bank teller, turning from one to the other.
"Mr. Barton," said the grocer, "you come just in good time; This boy has robbed me of a five-dollar bill."
"Impossible!" exclaimed the bank teller. "Gerald Lane is an honest boy."
"So I thought myself; but you are liable to be deceived in boys. Mr. Brandon saw him take the bill from the drawer, and told me. I have searched him and found the bill in his possession. Now he has the assurance to say that he got the bill from you."