He did not finish because his voice failed him; but he dropped into a chair, with his head in his hands.
"They are country bank-notes and other papers," said Harry, taking them from his cousin's hands—he had interpreted the missing words rightly.
The chief looked round the room. "Young men," he said solemnly, "a wonderful thing has happened. After many years of undeserved suspicion and unmerited punishment, Mr. Coppin's character is cleared at last. We cannot restore to him the years he has lost, but we can rejoice that his innocence is established."
"Come, Josephus," said Harry, "bear your good fortune as you have borne the bad—rouse yourself."
The senior junior clerk lifted his head and looked around. His cheeks were white. His eyes were filled with tears; his lips were trembling.
"Take your cousin home," said the chief to Harry, "and then come back to my office."
Harry led Josephus unresisting home to the boarding-house.
"We have had a shock, Mrs. Bormalack. Nothing to be alarmed about—quite the contrary. The bank-notes have been found after all these years, and my cousin has earned his promotion and recovered his character. Give him some brandy and water, and make him lie down for a bit."
For the man was dazed—he could not understand as yet what had happened.