"Poor kid," he muttered. "He was just worried sick about his dad's tombstone. He wouldn't do such a thing under ordinary circumstances. Don't be too hard on him, Bagley. And remember, he's your old pal's nephew."
Before long the captain decided he would say nothing about the matter and pocket his loss. Then that same sense of loyalty to his friends made him decide that he ought to tell Captain Rumford. It would never do for the shipper to have a thief around without knowing it. Of course Alec wouldn't be around, Captain Bagley realized, for he would discharge him the instant he set eyes on him.
"I'll tell the captain right away," he said to himself. "He'll be home by this time."
Captain Bagley hurried to the office and let himself in with his key. He got the shipper on the telephone almost immediately. Despite his fiery nature, Captain Bagley possessed great discretion. "Cap'n Rumford," he said, "there's been some crooked work going on down here. I don't want to talk about it over the 'phone, but I'd like to tell you about it."
"I'll be right down," telephoned the shipper. "I'm almost through supper, and you can look for me as soon as I can get there."
Captain Bagley sat down to wait for the shipper. The latter lived in a village only a few miles distant, and his motor-car carried him back to the office in no time.
"What's wrong, Bagley?" he said anxiously, as he came into the office.
"Nothing to worry about, Cap'n, but something that'll disappoint you. I notice that you took a great fancy to the new hand."
"Yes. He's a fine lad. He's going to make a good man."
"Well, I am sorry to tell you he's skipped with my week's pay and the money that was due Hawley."