"I am sure Gerald did not take it."
"Mr. Tubbs, I will thank you to give me back my money," said Gerald.
"I don't know that I ought to do it, after what I have heard about you," said Mr. Tubbs, hesitating. "The bill could not have gone away by itself."
"That is true enough, but I am not the only one employed in the store."
The grocer was badly confused. He had decided beyond a doubt that Gerald was a thief; but then Mr. Barton vouched for him, and Mr. Barton was a man of consideration.
He gave back the bill to Gerald, but with reluctance.
"It seems, then," he said, "that I am to bear the loss."
"Yes," said Mr. Barton, "unless you discover who took your money."
"I shall feel uncomfortable to think I have a thief in the store."
"So far as I am concerned," Gerald said, proudly, "you will have no trouble. I resign my position."