"I suppose you have learned nothing new relative to the cause of your store's burning," remarked our hero. "No, nothing." "You were not very generous with your old clerk to have him arrested, charged with such an act." The merchant winced. "I think I have a chance now to do you a favor in return for your generosity," continued Fred. This sarcasm cut deeply, but there was something about the boy's manner that kept the merchant from answering angrily. "What is it?" he at length asked. "I have a clue that would perhaps lead to the arrest of the parties who plundered and burned your store." Rexford's interest was now fully aroused. "Have you?" he asked eagerly. "Yes, and I have sufficient evidence, I think, to warrant you in making an arrest." "Is it possible?" "Yes, there is no doubt of it." Fred now took the knife from his pocket and passed it to his former employer. The merchant recognized it instantly by its peculiar handle. He said, in answer to Fred's questions, that the knife had not been sold, and that it must have been taken from his show case the night of the fire. He remembered showing it that evening to a customer, and distinctly recollected putting it back into the show case. This, then, constituted a strong piece of evidence to show that the store was robbed. Fred then explained how the knife came into his possession. "You have worked up the case skilfully," said Mr. Rexford. "I hope I have made no mistakes," answered Fred. "You have shown care and ingenuity, and have succeeded in getting very strong evidence. This is better than Sheriff Coombs has done." "I have other evidence also in my possession that makes this much stronger," replied our hero, and he showed Mr. Rexford the paper that Nellie Dutton had found, and gave him his theory of the robbery. "I agree with you fully. It looks very reasonable," said the merchant, whose enthusiasm was well aroused. "I can hardly wait till morning before taking action in the matter." XXXIII. Mr. Rexford was very grateful to our young friend for the trouble he had taken in working up this case. "It hardly seems possible, Fred, that you should do so much for me, after being treated as you were by me," he said warmly. "I hope I have been able to do you a favor," returned Fred sincerely; "and besides, it may prove of service to me." "You have, indeed, done me a favor. And is this the way you seek revenge?" "I think it is the best sort of revenge." "I believe you, Fred; but very few ever practise it." "It is more satisfactory in the end, and moreover is right." "Very true, but it is hard to act upon such a theory. Suppose Simmons is guilty, should I forgive him and do him a kindness?" "That would be quite a different case. His act would be crime, and should, therefore, be punished. You could feel sorry for him, though, that he had acted so unwisely."