“That may be, but he will say that he has saved it from his wages.”
“Oh, yes; I have no doubt he will say so,” said Benton, nodding his head significantly.
“And it may be true. He doesn’t seem to spend much.”
“True; but he was quite able to do so out of what I pay him and have money left over.”
“Well, I hope it is so. I don’t want to harm the boy, but I thought it only due to you to tell you what I know.”
“You don’t appear to know much. You only suspect. However, I will call Grant and see what he has to say.”
Grant, being summoned, came up to where they were standing.
“Do you want to speak to me, Mr. Smithson?” he asked.
“Yes, Grant; about an unpleasant matter.”
“Have I done anything wrong? Are you dissatisfied with me?”
“I can’t say. The fact is, for some time past I have been missing money from the drawer.”
“Of course the money could not have disappeared of itself. Some one must have taken it.”
“I hope you don’t suspect me,” said Grant quickly.
“I have always regarded you as honest, but Benton here tells me that you have formed some bad habits.”
“I should be glad to know what Mr. Benton has to say about me,” said Grant, regarding his fellow waiter with indignation. Benton, in spite of his assurance, could not help looking confused and ill at ease.
“He tells me that you are in the habit of visiting gambling saloons.”
“He has told you a falsehood,” said Grant boldly.
“I told you he would deny it, Mr. Smithson,” said Benton, determined to face it through.
“Has he seen me in a gambling-house?” demanded Grant.
“That’s false. If he can find any one to confirm his false charge, I will not object to your believing it.”
“I have no doubt a good many have seen you there.”
“Is there any other charge he brings against me, Mr. Smithson?”
“He says he has seen you under the influence of liquor.”
“That also is false. He has invited me to go into a saloon and take a drink, but I always refused.”
“I don’t pretend to be an angel, but I am honest and temperate, and I never drink.”
“I think, Mr. Smithson, if you will search the boy you will find a good sum of money in his pocket.”
“Is that true, Grant?” asked the restaurant keeper.
“Yes, sir. I have about a hundred dollars in my pocket.”
“I told you so,” said Benton triumphantly.