“Everything seems to throw suspicion upon that boy, Grant Thornton. Nobody saw him take the bonds, to be sure, but he has had every opportunity of doing so, living in the same house, as he does. Again, a key has been found in his pocket, which will open the bureau drawer in which the bonds were kept; and, thirdly, I can testify, and the boy admits, that he presented them at our office for sale, and received the money for them. I think, sir, that any jury would consider this accumulation of proof conclusive.” “It does seem rather strong,” said the broker, gravely. “I compliment you on the way you have summed up, Mr. Ford.” Willis Ford looked much gratified. He was susceptible to flattery, and he was additionally pleased, because, as he thought, Mr. Reynolds was impressed by the weight of evidence. “I have sometimes thought,” he said, complacently, “that I ought to have become a lawyer. I always had a liking for the profession.” “Still,” said the broker, deliberately, “we ought to consider Grant's explanation of the matter. He says that the bonds were intrusted to him for sale by a third party.” “Of course he would say something like that,” returned Willis, shrugging his shoulders. “He can hardly expect anyone to be taken in by such a statement as that.” “You think, then, that he had no dealings with this Morrison?” “I don't say that, sir,” said Ford, remembering the story which he and Morrison had agreed upon. It may be stated here that he had been anxious to meet Morrison before meeting the coming appointment, in order to ascertain what had passed between him and Grant. With this object in view, he had gone to the usual haunts of the gambler, but had been unable to catch sight of him. However, as he had seen him the evening previous, and agreed upon the story to be told, he contented himself with that. “You think, then, that Morrison may have given Grant the bonds?” said Mr. Reynolds. “No, sir; that is not my idea.” “Have you any other notion?” “I think the boy may have been owing him money, and took this method of raising it.” “But how should he owe him money?” asked the broker, curiously. “I don't wish to say anything against Morrison, but I have been told that he is a gambler. Grant may have lost money to him at play.” “Or you,” thought the broker; but he said: “Your suggestion is worth considering, but I don't think Grant has had any opportunity to lose money in that way, as he spends his evenings usually at home.” “It wouldn't take long to lose a great deal of money, sir.” “That explains it,” said the housekeeper, speaking for the first time. “I have no doubt Willis is right, and the boy gambles.” “I presume, Mr. Ford,” said the broker, with a peculiar look, “that you do not approve of gambling?” “Most certainly not, sir,” said Ford, his face expressing the horror which a so-well-conducted young man must naturally feel for so pernicious a habit. “I am glad to hear it. Will you excuse me a moment?”