“He was discharged this morning. Can I do anything for you?”

“Discharged!” exclaimed Randolph, much surprised. “What was he discharged for?”

Here Simon Moore took part in the conversation.

“Are you a friend of Gilbert Greyson?” he asked.

“Ye-es,” answered Randolph, in a tone of hesitation. “That is, he’s an acquaintance of mine.”

“If you feel interested in him, I have unpleasant news for you.”

Randolph pricked up his ears.

“What has happened?” he inquired.

“To be brief, I am afraid your friend is not strictly honest.”

“You don’t say so!” exclaimed Randolph, really amazed. “He hasn’t run off with any money, has he?”