Frank's preoccupied air had not gone unobserved. Callie Shaw had noticed his abstraction. More than once, when she had smiled pleasantly at him as they met one another in the hallways or in the classroom at the high school, he had merely nodded moodily. Callie was too sensible to be hurt by this, but she wondered what was worrying Frank. So one afternoon, when they happened to leave school together, she taxed him with it. "What's on your mind, Frank?" she asked gaily. "You've been going around looking like a human thundercloud for the last week." "Who, me? I didn't notice," returned Frank heavily. "Yes, you!" she replied, mimicking his lifeless tone. "You used to be full of fun. What's the matter? Can't I help?" She glanced up at him eagerly. Frank shook his head. "No, you can't help, Callie. It's about Slim." "Slim Robinson! Oh, yes! Wasn't that too bad?" said Callie, with quick sympathy. "He had to leave school. They tell me he's working." "In a grocery." "And he was so anxious to be a lawyer!" "I was talking to him this morning. He pretends he likes the work he's at, but I could tell he wishes he could get back to school again. I'm real sorry for him. And all on account of that confounded Tower robbery!" "But nobody really believes Mr. Robinson did it!" "Of course not. Nobody but Hurd Applegate. But until they find who _did_ take the stuff, Mr. Robinson is out of a job and nobody will hire him." "Isn't that too bad? I'm going over to see Paula and Tessie and Mrs. Robinson to-night. Where are they living?" Frank gave Callie the address. Her eyes widened. "Why that's in one of the poorest sections of the city! Frank, I had no idea it was that bad!" "It is--and it'll be a lot worse unless Mr. Robinson gets work pretty soon. Slim's earnings aren't nearly enough to keep the family yet." "Isn't there any chance that Mr. Robinson will be cleared?" "That's what's worrying me. Dad is working on the case." "Then why should you worry?" said Callie triumphantly. "Why, that means it'll be all cleared up. Your father can do anything!" "I used to think so, too. But he seems to be stuck, this time." "What's the matter?" "He went to New York almost a week ago with some clues that Joe and I were certain would clear up the affair, and so far we haven't heard from him, only to know that the case was harder than he expected." "But he hasn't given up, has he?" "Well--no--" "Then what are you worrying about, silly? If your father had given up the case there would be something to worry about. If he is still working on it there's always hope." They walked on in silence for a while. "Let's go out to see the Robinsons," Callie said suddenly. "I've been intending to go, but--I sort of--well--you know--" "You thought it might embarrass them. Well, it won't. I know Paula and Tessie well, and they're not that kind. They'd appreciate a friendly visit."