To this conversation Dean listened with the utmost attention. He felt interested and excited. He could not fail to understand that Kirby was referring to Squire Bates. The mystery was deepening. Who and what was this man who in Oakford posed as a lawyer, a reputable citizen, and a Justice of the Peace? It was clear that he was allied to some outside organization in which he wished to conceal his membership. This man Kirby who was now Dean's employer, was a friend and associate. Why under the circumstances should Squire Bates have been willing to send him off as Kirby's clerk or secretary? If there was anything to conceal, it was only giving him an opportunity to find it out. "I must keep my eyes open," thought Dean. "I mean to find out who robbed my uncle, and whether Squire Bates had anything to do with it. If I could only recover the money I should be happy." "What are you thinking about so intently?" asked Guy. "I want to get out of the restaurant without my employer seeing me," answered Dean in a low voice. "Why? Would he object to your coming here!" "Wait till we get into the street." The boys managed to effect their retreat without attracting the notice of Kirby or Pringle. "Now what's it all about?" asked Guy. "They were talking confidentially, and Mr. Kirby would be angry if he thought I had heard them." "Oh, that's it," said Guy carelessly. He was not a boy of much curiosity, and felt much less interest in Dean's concerns than his own. "Well, what shall we do this evening?" "Go to bed, I suppose." "But why not go to some theater?" "I should like to go," said Dean, "but I don't know that I ought to use the money Mr. Kirby gave me for such a purpose." "You needn't mind that. Didn't you tell me you were to receive twenty-five dollars a month?" "Yes." "Then if he makes any fuss, tell him to charge the expense of the theatre to your salary." "I might do that. How much will it cost to go to the theater?" "We can get a fair seat for fifty cents." "Then I think I'll go," said Dean after some hesitation. "Have you any choice as to theatres?" "No, I don't know anything about them. I never went to a theatre in my life." "Well, you are a fresh young countryman, and no mistake. Here, I'll get an evening paper, and see what's playing at the different theaters." The result was that Niblo's was selected. It is not necessary to mention the name of the play, which was at that time a popular favorite, but is now forgotten. The two boys obtained seats in the balcony, rather far off from the stage, but both were possessed of good eyes, and had no difficulty in seeing what was passing on the boards. Dean was enchanted. He had had but vague ideas of what a theater was like, and to him everything seemed real. There was one place where the villain of the piece throws the heroine from a bridge into the water. Dean uttered a little exclamation. Guy turned to him with a smile. "What's the matter?" he asked.