CHAPTER XIV A CRISIS AT this moment Brandon entered the store. He took in at a glance what was going on. He noticed Gerald's flushed face and he smiled inwardly. "I reckon the kid finds himself in hot water," he said to himself. "Come here, Mr. Brandon," said the grocer. "Yes, sir," returned Brandon, innocently. "Do you remember telling me that you saw Gerald take money from the drawer?" "Yes, sir; I thought it my duty to tell you. At the same time, as it is probably a first offence, I hope you will forgive him." "You see how considerate Brandon is," said Mr. Tubbs, turning to Gerald. "What do you think the boy says?" This was, of course, addressed to Brandon. "I don't know, sir. Does he deny taking the money?" "Yes. He says he saw you take it!" "Is it possible?" exclaimed Brandon. "I hope you don't believe the charge, Mr. Tubbs." "Certainly not." "You may search me if you like." "Perhaps it will be well to search you both, though, of course, the note may have been spent." "I am at your command, Mr. Tubbs. Stay, I will turn my pockets inside out!" He proceeded to do so, but only a few silver coins were found. The fact was that the note had been paid away in the billiard-room the previous evening. "Now, Gerald, it is your turn." Gerald looked embarrassed. Though he was perfectly innocent, he knew that there was a five-dollar bill in his pocketbook—part of the money drawn from the savings bank. Mr. Barton had handed it to him only two days previous. Brandon had no knowledge of this. His only idea was to subject Gerald to humiliation. But when he saw the boy's confusion, he began to think that things were turning out unexpectedly in his favor. "I don't think he wants to be searched, Mr. Tubbs," he said, pointedly. "I am willing to follow the example of Mr. Brandon," said Gerald. He took out his pocketbook and handed it to the grocer. The latter opened it, and drew out a five-dollar bill. "Ha!" he exclaimed, in excitement, as he held it up to view. "This tells the story, Gerald Lane! You are a thief!" "That's false, Mr. Tubbs!" said Gerald, hotly. "That bill is mine." "That's a likely story. Of course a boy that will steal will lie." "It is true," said Gerald, firmly. "Then where did you get this money?" demanded the grocer, sternly. "From Mr. Barton, in the savings bank." "Gerald Lane, you may think I am an idiot, but you are mistaken. I will keep this bill." "Then it is you who are the thief. You can ask Mr. Barton if I do not tell the truth." Brandon smiled gleefully. He was very much surprised to learn that Gerald had a five-dollar bill in his possession. He knew, of course, that it was not the bill taken from the drawer; but the grocer did not know, and he saw that it would clear him from suspicion. "What do you think of this boy, Brandon?" asked Mr. Tubbs.