"Now I know who stole the paper," thought our hero. "I must be on my guard against him."
He said nothing further; but Maurice knew that he was suspected, and it only incensed him the more against his fellow-clerk.
CHAPTER XXVI.
MAURICE AND BESSIE BENTON.
Gilbert could not help wondering how Maurice and Mr. James Grey were brought together, and how it happened that the former became his uncle's agent and accomplice. He knew, however, that Maurice never liked him, and guessed that this had been an inducement.
"I wonder," he thought, "if there is any chance of his communicating my plans to Mr. Grey? It will be best for me to keep him in ignorance of my destination."
When, therefore, he was ready to start, he resolved only to tell him that he was going to St. Louis. This was, in truth, his first destination, but, as we know, he intended to go farther.
Maurice, who didn't before know of Gilbert's plans, was surprised when the latter walked up to him and said:
"I must bid you good-by for a time, Maurice."
"Are you going away?" exclaimed his fellow-clerk, staring at him in amazement.