CHAPTER XXXIV.
PHIL'S FRIENDS AND HIS ENEMIES.
Meanwhile, Phil's long absence had excited anxiety and alarm.
"What can have become of Philip?" said Mr. Carter when supper time cameand he did not arrive.
"I can't think," answered Mrs. Forbush. "He is generally very prompt."
"That is what makes me feel anxious. I am afraid something must havehappened to him."
"Did you send him anywhere, Uncle Oliver?"
"Yes; he called, as usual, to get my check from Mr. Pitkin."
"And he ought to have been here earlier?"
"Certainly. He wouldn't have to wait for that."
"Philip is very careful. I can't think that he has met with anaccident."
"Even the most prudent and careful get into trouble sometimes."
They were finally obliged to sit down to supper alone. None of the threeenjoyed it. Not only Mr. Carter and Mrs. Forbush, but Julia was anxiousand troubled.
"I didn't know I cared so much for the boy," said Uncle Oliver. "He hasendeared himself to me. I care nothing for the loss of the money if hewill only return safe."
It was about a quarter of eight when the door-bell rang, and the servantushered in Mr. and Mrs. Pitkin and Alonzo.
After the usual greetings were interchanged, Mrs. Pitkin said, lookingabout her:
"Where is Philip?"
"We are very much concerned about him," said Mr. Carter, his faceshowing his trouble. "He has not been home since morning. Did he call atyour store, Pitkin?"
"Hasn't he been home since?" asked Pitkin, in a tone unpleasantlysignificant.
"No. At what time did he leave the store?"
"Hours since. I--I am not sure but I may be able to throw some light onhis failure to return."
"Do so, if you can!" said Uncle Oliver.
"In place of giving him a check, I gave the boy two hundred dollars inbills."
"Well?"
"Don't you see? The temptation has proved too strong for him. I think,Uncle Oliver, you won't see him back in a hurry."
"Do you mean to say the boy would steal?" demanded the old gentlemanindignantly.
"I think it more than likely that he has appropriated the money."
"I am sure he has not," said Mrs. Forbush.
"And so am I," chimed in Julia.
Mr. Pitkin shrugged his shoulders.
"So you think," he answered; "but I don't agree with you."
"Nor I!" said Mrs. Pitkin, nodding her head vigorously. "I never had anyconfidence in the boy. I don't mind telling you now that I have warnedAlonzo not to get too intimate with him. You remember it, Lonny?"
"Yes'm," responded Lonny.
"Then you think the boy capable of appropriating the money?" asked Mr.Carter quietly.
"Yes, I do."
"Well, I don't!" said Uncle Oliver emphatically.
"You are very easily deceived," said Mrs. Pitkin.
"Don't be too sure of that," returned Mr. Carter, with a significantglance, that made his niece feel uncomfortable.
"I suspect you will have to admit it," said Mr. Pitkin. "If, contrary tomy anticipation, the boy returns, and brings the money with him, I willown myself mistaken."
Just then the front door was heard to open; there was a sound of stepsin the hall, and Phil came hurriedly into the room.
Mr. and Mrs. Pitkin exchanged looks of surprise and dismay; but Mrs.Forbush, her daughter and Uncle Oliver looked delighted.