Herbert listened to this accusation as if stunned. It was utterly beyond his conception how anyone could be guilty of such a deliberate falsehood as he had just listened to. So he remained silent, and this operated against him.
“Herbert,” said Mr. Godfrey, mildly, for he was unwilling to believe our hero guilty of intentional dishonesty, “you should have mentioned having found the pocketbook.”
“So I would, sir,” said Herbert, having found his voice at last, “if I had found one.”
“Do you mean to say that you have not?” demanded Mr. Godfrey, with a searching look.
“Yes, sir,” said Herbert, firmly.
“What, then, does Thomas mean when he asserts that he saw you do so?”
“I don't know, sir. I think he means to injure me, as I have noticed ever since I entered the office that he seems to dislike me.”
“How is that, Thomas? Do you again declare that you saw Herbert pick up the wallet?
“I do,” said Tom, boldly. “Of course, I expected that he would deny it. I leave it to you, sir, if he does not show his guilt in his face? Just look at him!”
Now it, unfortunately for Herbert, happened that his indignation had brought a flush to his face, and he certainly did look as a guilty person is supposed to do. Mr. Godfrey observed this, and his heart sank within him, for, unable to conceive of such wickedness as Tom's, he saw no other way except to believe in Herbert's guilt.