Tim retired quite elated. From a corner nearly opposite he watched for Sam's return. "He looks sober," said Tim to himself. "It's likely he'll get 'bounced.' I wonder will I stand a chance for his place." "Sam," said William Budd, on his entrance, "Mr. Dalton wants to see you." Sam looked startled. He had ascertained his loss, and was perplexed and troubled about it. Mr. Dalton looked up as he entered. "Have you been to the bank, Samuel?" he asked. "Yes, sir." "Did you deposit all the checks given you?" "I lost one check some way," stammered Sam. "You must have been very careless," said his employer, in a tone of reproof. "I don't think I was," said Sam. "You must have been. Did you not know that you had charge of a large amount?" "Yes, sir." "Then, knowing this, you should have been particularly careful." "I'll go back and look for it, sir." "Fortunately there is no need of this, as it was picked up and brought here by an honest boy. It was a check for twelve hundred dollars." "Then, you've got it again?" said Sam, relieved. "Shall I go round to the bank and carry it?" "No, I shall not again trust you to go to the bank. Indeed, I am sorry to say that I cannot retain you in my employ." "I hope you'll keep me," said Sam, alarmed. "I cannot do it in justice to myself. Call Mr. Budd." William Budd entered. "Mr. Budd," said Mr. Dalton, "I think you told me you had a cousin who desired a place." "Yes, sir." "Tell him to come here to-morrow. I have discharged Sam." "Thank you, sir." "I do not forget, Sam," continued the merchant, "that you once rendered me a service in bringing home my little boy. I regret that I cannot keep you in my employ. To compensate you for the disappointment, I will give you twenty-five dollars, and you are at liberty to go at once if you desire it." Sam's eyes sparkled with pleasure. He felt so rich that he cared little for the loss of his place. "Thank you, sir," he said. "I wish you good luck, Samuel," said Mr. Dalton, good-naturedly. Again Sam thanked him, and left the store looking so cheerful that Tim, who was watching for his appearance, was quite bewildered. "He seems glad he's 'bounced,'" thought Tim. "I'll go and ask him about it." CHAPTER XVII. TIM IS UNMASKED. Before Sam had gone far Tim Brady managed to throw himself in his way. "Where are you goin', now?" he asked. "Have you been to the bank?" "Yes," answered Sam. "I lost one of them checks." "You don't say!" said hypocritical Tim. "It was the twelve-hundred-dollar one." "What did the boss say? Did he blow you up?" inquired Tim, puzzled by Sam's cheerful manner. "Yes; I'm 'bounced.'" "You don't seem to care much," said Tim, watching him curiously. "No, I don't. I'm tired of the old place." "What are you goin' to do? Are you goin' back to boot blackin'?" "No," answered Sam, scornfully; "I should say not." "You ain't goin' to retire on a fortune, are you?"