CHAPTER VII.
SILAS TRIPP MAKES A DISCOVERY.
When Silas Tripp went into his store the next day he was startled tofind a window in the rear was partially open.
"How did that window come open, Abel?" he asked, as Abel Wood enteredthe store.
"I don't know, sir."
"It must have been you that opened it," said his employer, sternly.
"I didn't do it, Mr. Tripp, honest I didn't," declared Abel, earnestly.
"Then how did it come open, that's what I want to know?"
"I am sure I can't tell."
"Somebody might have come in during the night and robbed the store."
"So there might."
"It's very mysterious. Such things didn't happen when Chester washere."
Abel made no answer, but began to sweep out the store, his firstmorning duty.
When Silas spoke of the store being robbed he had no idea that such arobbing had taken place, but he went to the money drawer and opened itto make sure all was safe.
Instantly there was a cry of dismay.
"Abel!" he exclaimed, "I've been robbed. There's a lot of moneymissing."
Abel stopped sweeping and turned pale.
"Is that so, Mr. Tripp?" he asked, faintly.
"Yes, there's--lemme see. There's been burglars here. Oh, this isterrible!"
"Who could have done it, Mr. Tripp?"
"I dunno, but the store was entered last night. I never shall feel safeagain," groaned Silas.
"Didn't they leave no traces?"
"Ha! here's a handkerchief," said Mr. Tripp, taking the article fromthe top of a flour barrel, "and yes, by gracious, it's marked ChesterRand."
"You don't think he took the money?" ejaculated Abel, in open-eyedwonder.
"Of course it must have been him! He knew just where I kept the money,and he could find his way about in the dark, he knew the store sowell."
"I didn't think Chester would do such a thing."
"That's how he came by his five-dollar bill. He came in bold as brassand paid me with my own money--the young rascal!"
"But how could he do it if the money was took last night? It was two orthree days ago he paid you the five-dollar bill."
This was a poser, but Mr. Tripp was equal to the emergency.
"He must have robbed me before," he said.
"You haven't missed money before, have you?"
"Not to my knowledge, but he must have took it. Abel, I want you to goright over to the Widow Rand's and tell Chester I want to see him. Idunno but I'd better send the constable after him."
"Shall I carry him his handkerchief?"
"No, and don't tell him it's been found. I don't want to put him on hisguard."
Abel put his broom behind the door and betook himself to the house ofMrs. Rand.
The widow herself opened the door.
"Is Chester at home?" asked Abel.
"Yes, he's eating his breakfast. Do you want to see him?"
"Well, Mr. Tripp wants to see him."
"Possibly he wants Chester to give him a little extra help," shethought.
"Won't you come in and take a cup of coffee while Chester is finishinghis breakfast?" she said.
"Thank you, ma'am."
Abel was a boy who was always ready to eat and drink, and he acceptedthe invitation with alacrity.
"So Mr. Tripp wants to see me?" said Chester. "Do you know what it'sabout?"
"He'll tell you," answered Abel, evasively.
Chester was not specially interested or excited. He finished hisbreakfast in a leisurely manner, and then taking his hat, went out withAbel. It occurred to him that Mr. Tripp might be intending to dischargeAbel, and wished to see if he would return to his old place.
"So you don't know what he wants to see me about?" he asked.
"Well, I have an idea," answered Abel, in a mysterious tone.
"What is it, then?"
"Oh, I dassn't tell."
"Look here, Abel, I won't stir a step till you do tell me. You areacting very strangely."
"Well, somethin' terrible has happened," Abel ejaculated, in excitedtones.
"What's it?"
"The store was robbed last night."
"The store was robbed?" repeated Chester. "What was taken?"
"Oh, lots and lots of money was taken from the drawer, and the windowin the back of the store was left open."
"I'm sorry to hear it. I didn't know there was anybody in Wyncombe thatwould do such things. Does Mr. Tripp suspect anybody?"
"Yes, he does."
"Who is it?"
"He thinks you done it."
Chester stopped abruptly and looked amazed.
"Why, the man must be crazy! What on earth makes him think I wouldstoop to do such a thing?"
"'Cause your handkerchief was found on a flour barrel 'side of themoney drawer."
"My handkerchief! Who says it was my handkerchief?"
"Your name was on it--in one corner; I seed it myself."
Then a light dawned upon Chester. The tramp whom he and his mother hadentertained the evening before, must have picked up his handkerchief,and left it in the store to divert suspicion from himself. Thedetective instinct was born within Chester, and now he felt impatientto have the investigation proceed.
"Come on, Abel," he said, "I want to see about this matter."
"Well, you needn't walk so plaguy fast, wouldn't if I was you."
"Why not?"
"'Cause you'll probably have to go to jail. I'll tell you what I'd do."
"Well?"
"I'd hook it."
"You mean run away?"
"Yes."
"That's the last thing I'd do. Mr. Tripp would have a right to think Iwas guilty in that case."
"Well, ain't you?"
"Abel Wood, I have a great mind to give you a licking. Don't you knowme any better than that?"
"Then why did you leave the handkerchief on the flour barrel?"
"That'll come out in due time."
They were near the store where Mr. Tripp was impatiently waiting fortheir appearance. He did not anticipate Abel's staying to breakfast,and his suspicions were excited.
"I'll bet Chester Rand has left town with the money," he groaned. "Oh,it's awful to have your hard earnin's carried off so sudden. I'll sendChester to jail unless he returns it--every cent of it."
Here Abel entered the store, followed by Chester.