“It does not necessarily follow that he put the bill in himself,” remarked Mr. Sands.
“Who else could have done it?” demanded Moore, triumphantly.
“I will answer that question,” said Gilbert. “John put the money in my pocket, in order to get me into a scrape.”
“Do you hear that, Cousin Simon?” exclaimed John, with virtuous indignation. “I didn’t think Gilbert could be so wicked as to say such things.”
“I expected it,” said Moore, regarding Gilbert maliciously. “A boy that will steal will lie also. Of course he only says it to screen himself.”
Gilbert listened to this outbreak very composedly. He knew that his employer was on his side, and did not think it necessary to contradict it.
“Have you any proof of your statement, Gilbert?” asked Mr. Sands.
“Of course he hasn’t,” said Moore, contemptuously. “It rests upon his word; and that is worth nothing. Ask him if he saw John put the money in his pocket.”
“No, I did not,” answered Gilbert, without waiting for Mr. Sands to put the question.
“I thought not,” said Moore, triumphantly. “You only suspected it.”