"I seem to do a good business," answered the grocer, "yet, I don't know how it is, I find it very hard to meet my bills as they come due." "You are looked upon as a driving man." "I ought to be, but it is as I told you. I can't understand it. There have been times when I did less business and made more money." "Perhaps you don't make as large profits?" "Yes, I do. I sell at the same prices, and I don't pay any more for goods." Gerald thought over this problem, and it puzzled him too. It set him to examining the books which were under his charge. The result was very favorable to the business. From the books, it should have paid well. But the next day a startling light was thrown upon the mystery. Gerald saw Brandon go to the money-drawer to deposit fifty cents, which he had received in payment for some groceries. He did deposit it, but at the same time he slyly drew out a bill which he carried away with him. "That explains it!" thought Gerald, drawing a deep breath. "What ought I to do?" ------------------------------------------------------------------------ CHAPTER XIII AN ARTFUL TRICK IT was a difficult matter to decide. Gerald had a natural dislike to become an informer or expose his fellow-clerk, though he felt that Mr. Tubbs ought to know how he was being robbed. So he let the day pass without speaking of what he had seen. He was no longer surprised that Brandon could spend so much money on billiards, since it did not come out of his salary, but out of his employer's till. In the evening he called upon Mr. Nugent and asked his advice. "Have you told Mr. Tubbs what you discovered?" asked the old gentleman. "No, sir." "You should do so." "I don't like to expose Brandon." "I can understand your objection, but nevertheless it is your duty to do so." "I wish he would discover it in some other way." "He is not likely to do so." "He may not believe me." "At any rate you will have done your duty." "I will think it over, Mr. Nugent. In the meantime I am obliged to you for your advice." "I shall always be glad to advise you," said Mr. Nugent, kindly. "You are a straightforward and honorable boy, and I have all confidence in you." "Thank you, sir. I am glad to have you say that. Suppose Brandon denies it?" "You can suggest to Mr. Tubbs to put a marked bill in the drawer, and then try to trace it in case it is taken." "I will do so." But Gerald did not have an opportunity to make use of Mr. Nugent's advice. During the day he had shown a degree of perturbation occasioned by his discovery of Brandon's treachery that had excited the notice of his fellow-clerk. Guilt is always suspicious, and Brandon, knowing his own dishonesty, was constantly on the watch for the detection which he dreaded. "The kid suspects me," he said to himself. "I must forestall him."