"Thank you, sir; you are very kind, and you always are."
"Then why do you want to leave me?"
"It is because you have always used me well that I wish to go. I am afraid my trial balance was more correct than I supposed at the time."
"What do you mean, Phil?" demanded he, springing to his feet with sudden energy.
"Whether right or wrong, sir, I believe that you have taken about forty thousand dollars out of the concern without the knowledge or consent of your partner."
"Why, Phil!"
He dropped into his chair again, and I was satisfied that I had hit the nail on the head. He gasped and trembled, but, fortunately for him, we were alone in the counting-room.
"I have spoken just what I think, sir; but I hope I am mistaken."
"You are mistaken, Phil; most tremendously mistaken. I like you, Phil; if I did not, I should kick you out of the counting-room without another word. But I believe you mean to be honest, and that you have made an honest blunder, though it is a very stupid one."
"Certainly the lumber included in those invoices you brought down from your rooms was never entered in the lumber book."