THE BUBBLE BURST. 99

He then went to his money-safe, and looking among
his gold came back and asked Isaacs in an under-
tone from whom he had the guinea?

“From Reynolds,” returned Isaacs, and went on
industriously polishing a pair of scales.

Williams came in at that moment, but Reeves
was so often there on business that he took no
notice, and seating himself at the apprentices’ desk
began to think of Jessie and the play.

“We will have it made right, Mr. Reeves,” said
Mr. Osborne hurriedly, when Williams came in.
‘* Mr. Isaacs shall see you to-morrow.”

When Reynolds returned in the evening he was
summoned to Mr. Osborne’s presence, who, producing
the guinea, asked, “ Do you know anything of this
guinea ?”

Reynolds took it into his hand, and examining it,
returned it, saying that he did not.

“Did you,” inquired his master, “get change
some little time ago from Mr. Reeves for a guinea?”

Reynolds changed colour slightly, and after a
moment’s pause, said, ** I did.” |

‘* And whence had you the guinea ?” asked he.

Reynolds looked confused and was silent.

** There is something singular in this,” said Mr.
Osborne, “I must have an answer. The money
was in my possession a little time ago. I knew
it to be light, and marked it with a penknife that
I might not pay it away. It has gone from my
cash-box. I may have paid it away by mistake—
but then how came it into your hands, or why do you
refuse to account for it? I would not willingly
suspect.”

“ Sir,” interrupted Reynolds, “I am innocent of