Joe's freckled face reddened to the ears. He showed more confusion than Barry had ever known him to display before. "I was thinking of something else," he mumbled. "I guess you're right about the weather. It doesn't look like rain at all." Barry walked away very much dissatisfied. It was evident that Joe was trying to deceive him, and he did not relish that. Presently the boy came over to him very shyly. "Barry," whispered Joe, in a sort of awe-stricken voice. "Have you got four or five dollars to spare?" Barry hesitated. "It's only until pay-day," said Joe, eagerly. "I'll get my check in a week and I'll be sure to pay you back." "It's not that, Joe," said Barry, gently. "I'd be willing to give you every penny I've got in the world, but I hate to see you waste your money." "Oh, it won't be wasted," he cried. Without another word Barry put his hand in his pocket and pulled out a pocket-book, reached in and lifted out a five-dollar note and handed it to the other. "You're a bully fellow," exclaimed Joe, in his old happy-go-lucky, care-free manner. "I knew you wouldn't go back on an old pal." "Of eight weeks' standing," said Barry, drily. Joe's eyes danced with delight. "That's a long while in these days of fierce competition." Five minutes later the door slammed and Joe had disappeared. At the same moment Mrs. Johnson came to Barry. "I overheard your conversation, and it has distressed me more than I can explain. I feel more than ever that it is necessary to find out what this boy is doing with his money and where he spends his nights." Barry looked at her helplessly. "I don't see how I can help you, Mrs. Johnson." Her eyes sparkled. "Yes, you do. I have made up my mind that I will look after him and I have also made up my mind that you are going to help me." Barry laughed, feebly. "Well, if that's the case," he said, "I guess I might as well take my orders." "Well, I want you to go after him right away. Don't let him see you, but find out what he does with that money." "Oh, Mrs. Johnson," said Barry, "I couldn't do that." She began to weep and in a moment or two threatened to become hysterical. "I must know," she exclaimed. "I must know, and if you don't go after him I'll get my bonnet and go myself!"