Otis Goodnow arrived at his place of business a little earlier than usual, and set himself to looking over his mail.
Among other letters was one written on paper bearing the name of the Fifth Avenue Hotel. He came to this after a time and read it.
It ran thus:
DEAR SIR:
I was once in your employ, though you may not remember my name.
I was in the department of Mr. Redwood, and there I became acquainted with Jasper Redwood, his nephew. I was discharged, it is needless to recall why. I had saved nothing, and of course I was greatly embarrassed. I could not readily obtain another place, and in order to secure money to pay living expenses I entered into an arrangement with Jasper Redwood to sell me articles, putting in more than I paid for. These I was enabled to sell at a profit to smaller stores. This was not as profitable as it might have been to me, as I was obliged to pay Jasper a commission for his agency. Well, after a time it was ascertained that articles were missing, and search was made for the thief. Through a cunningly devised scheme of Jasper's the theft was ascribed to Rodney Ropes, a younger clerk, and he was discharged. Ropes was a fine young fellow, and I have always been sorry that he got into trouble through our agency, but there seeemed no help for it. It must rest on him or us.
He protested his innocence, but was not believed. I wish to say now that he was absolutely innocent, and only Jasper and myself were to blame. If you doubt my statement I will call today, and you may confront me with Jasper. I desire that justice should be done.
PHILIP CARTON.
"Call Mr. Redwood," said the merchant, summoning a boy.
In five minutes Mr. Redwood entered the office of his employer.
"You sent for me, sir?"
"Yes, Mr. Redwood; cast your eye over this letter."James Redwood read the letter, and his face showed the agitation he felt.
"I don't know anything about this, Mr. Goodnow," he said at last.
"It ought to be inquired into."
"I agree with you. If my nephew is guilty I want to know it.""We will wait till the writer of this letter calls. Do you remember him?""Yes, sir; he was discharged for intemperance."At twelve o'clock Philip Carton made his appearance, and asked to be conducted to Mr. Goodnow's private office.
"You are the writer of this letter?" asked the merchant.
"Yes sir."
"And you stand by the statement it contains?""Yes, sir.""Why, at this late day, have you made a confession?""Because I wish to do justice to Rodney Ropes, who has been unjustly accused, and also because I have been meanly treated by Jasper Redwood, who has thrown me over now that he has no further use for me.""Are you willing to repeat your statement before him?""I wish to do so.""Call Jasper Redwood, Sherman," said the merchant, addressing himself to Sherman White, a boy recently taken into his employ.
Jasper entered the office, rather surprised at the summons.
When he saw his accomplice, he changed color, and looked confused.
"Jasper," said the merchant, "read this letter and tell me what you have to say in reply."Jasper ran his eye over the letter, while his color came and went.
"Well?"
"It's a lie," said Jasper hoarsely.
"Do you still insist that the articles taken from my stock were taken by Rodney Ropes?""Yes, sir.""What do you say, Mr. Carton?"
"Not one was taken by Rodney Ropes. Jasper and I are responsible for them all.""What proof can you bring?""Mr. James Redwood will recall the purchase I made at the time of the thefts. He will recall that I always purchased of Jasper.""That is true," said Mr. Redwood in a troubled voice.
"Do you confess, Jasper Redwood?"
"No, sir."
"If you will tell the truth, I will see that no harm comes to you.
I want to clear this matter up."
Jasper thought the matter over. He saw that the game was up--and decided rapidly that confession was the best policy.
"Very well, sir, if I must I will do so, but that man put me up to it.""You did not need any putting up to it. I wish young Ropes were here, that I might clear him."As if in answer to the wish a bronzed and manly figure appeared at the office door. It was Rodney, but taller and more robust than when he left the store nearly a year before.
"Rodney Ropes!" ejaculated Jasper in great surprise.
