“You are right; he wanted the place himself, and now he’s got it.”
“Just you go back and tell the book-keeper all about it, and I’ll stand by you,” suggested Tom.
Gilbert shook his head.
“It won’t do,” he said. “John is Mr. Moore’s cousin, and I feel sure they are both in the plot; they would say you were lying.”
“Let ’em say it,” said Tom. “I’ll punch their heads if they do.”
Gilbert smiled at the zeal of his humble friend. “I am afraid that would do neither of us any good,” he said.
“Won’t you do nothin’, then?” asked Tom, disappointed. “Will you stay bounced?”
“Yes, till Mr. Sands comes back.”
“Is he the boss?”
“Yes; he is now in Washington, and may not return for several days. When he comes back, I shall want you to tell him all you saw.”