“Don’t rely too much upon my word, sir,” said Gilbert. “I want you to be thoroughly convinced of my innocence.”
“I am.”
“Still, sir, I should like to bring a street boy—a boot-black—to confirm my story. He saw John put the bill into my overcoat pocket, when I was out on an errand.”
“That is important testimony. I trust your word implicitly; but it may be as well to bring him round to the office, in order to confound those who have got up this wicked plot against you.”
“He is only a boot-black,” said Gilbert; “but I think he is trustworthy.”
“I have reasons with which you are not acquainted for believing him and you,” said the broker.
Gilbert looked curious, and Mr. Sands explained.
“I was present in an oyster-saloon, one evening before I started for Washington, and overheard Mr. Moore and John expressing their intentions to get you into trouble during my absence. This was the reason why I warned you against the book-keeper.”
“I remember it, sir; but I did not know your reasons.”
“Now, tell me how you have got along, being suddenly deprived of your income. John told me he saw you selling papers near City Hall Park one day.”