Part 54

“Will it wash?”

“To be sure it will.”

“Then I guess you may cut me off ten yards.”

This was quickly done, and the woman departed with her purchase.

Five minutes later, another woman entered with a bundle of the same figured calico.

Seeing her coming, Williams hastily slipped the remnant of the piece out of sight.

“I got this calico here,” said the newcomer, “one day last week. You warranted it to wash, but I find it won't. Here's a piece I've tried.”

She showed a pattern, which had a faded look.

“You've come to the wrong store,” said Williams, coolly. “You must have got the calico somewhere else.”

“No, I'm sure I got it here. I remember particularly buying it of you.”

“You've got a better memory than I have, then. We haven't got a piece of calico like that in the store.”

Paul listened to this assertion with unutterable surprise.

“I am quite certain I bought it here,” said the woman, perplexed.

“Must have been the next store,--Blake & Hastings. Better go over there.”

The woman went out.

“That's the way to do business,” said Williams, winking at Paul.

Paul said nothing, but he felt more than ever doubtful about retaining his place.

XXII.

MR. BENTON'S ADVENTURE.

One evening, about a fortnight after his entrance into Smith & Thompson's employment, Paul was putting up the shutters, the business of the day being over. It devolved upon him to open and close the store, and usually he was the last one to go home.

This evening, however, Mr. Nicholas Benton graciously remained behind and assisted Paul in closing the store. This was unusual, and surprised Paul a little. It was soon explained, however.

“Good-night, Nicholas,--I mean, Mr. Benton,” said Paul.

“Not quite yet. I want you to walk a little way with me this evening.”

Paul hesitated.

“Come, no backing out. I want to confide to you a very important secret.”

He looked so mysterious that Paul's curiosity was aroused, and reflecting that it was yet early, he took his companion's proffered arm, and sauntered along by his side.

“What's the secret?” he asked at length, perceiving that Nicholas was silent.

“Wait till we get to a more retired place.”