"As he has been so very generous towards me, Mr. Wake," interposed Edward, "I will suggest a means by which you may satisfy yourself. My mother keeps Harry's money for him, and perhaps, if you look it over, you will find more marked pieces." "Mr. Wake, I'm innocent," protested Harry, when he had in some measure recovered from the first shock of the heavy blow. "I never stole a cent from anybody." "I don't believe you ever did, Harry. But can you explain how this money happened to be in your pocket?" "I cannot, sir. If you wish to look at my money, Mrs. Flint will show it to you." "Perhaps I had better." "Don't let him go with you, though," said Edward, maliciously. Mr. Wake wrote an order to Mrs. Flint, requesting her to exhibit the money, and Harry signed it. The senior then hastened to Avery Street. "Now, Master Spy!" sneered Edward, when he had gone. "So you have been watching me, I thought as much." "I only did what Mr. Wade told me to do," replied Harry, exceedingly mortified at the turn the investigation had taken. "Humph! That is the way with you psalm-singers. Steal yourself, and lay it to me!" "I did not steal. I never stole in my life." "Wait and see." In about half an hour Mr. Wake returned. "I am sorry, Harry, to find that I have been mistaken in you. Is it possible that one who is outwardly so correct in his habits should be a thief? But your career is finished," said he, very sternly, as he entered the office. "Nothing strange to the rest of us," added Edward. "I never knew one yet who pretended to be so pious that did not turn out a rascal." "And such a hypocrite!" "Mr. Wake, I am neither a thief nor a hypocrite," replied Harry, with spirit. "I found four of the coins--four half dollars--which I marked first, at Mrs. Flint's," said the senior, severely. Harry was astounded. Those half dollars were part of the money paid him by Edward, and he so explained how they came in his possession. "Got them from me!" exclaimed Edward, with well-feigned surprise. "I never borrowed a cent of him in my life; and, of course, never paid him a cent." Harry looked at Edward, amazed at the coolness with which he uttered the monstrous lie. He questioned him in regard to the transaction, but the young reprobate reiterated his declaration with so much force and art that Mr. Wake was effectually deceived.