Horatio Alger

“ I don't know what Roswell means by what he has just said, but I was not left alone in the store for a moment all day yesterday, nor did Roswell go out to speak to a friend while I was about."
"There seems to be a conflict of evidence here," said Mr. Baker.
"I hope the word of a gentleman's son is worth more than that of a match boy," said Roswell, haughtily.
"To whom do you refer, when you speak of a match boy?"
"To HIM," sai Roswell, pointing to Mark. "He used to be a vagabond boy about the streets, selling matches, and sleeping anywhere he could. No wonder he steals." ”

“ Roswell took his cap, and was about to leave the store.
"Wait a few minutes. You have tried to implicate Mark in your theft. You must wait till his return, and apologize to him for what you have attempted to do."
"Must I do this?" asked Roswell, ruefully.
"You must," said Mr. Baker, firmly.
When Mark came in, and was told how he had been cleared of suspicion, he felt very happy. Roswell made the apology dictated to him, with a very bad grace, and then was permitted to leave the store. ”

“ Baker. "It is the discovery of the key in his pocket that throws the gravest suspicion upon him. I must see his friends, and inquire into the matter."
"Of course they will stand by him," said Roswell.
"We may get some light thrown upon his possession of the key, at any rate, and can judge for ourselves."
"I shall keep you employed until this matter in in- vestigated," said Mr. Baker to Mark. "Here is a parcel of books to be carried to Twenty-Seventh Street. Come back as soon as they are delivered."
Mark went out with a heavy heart, for it troubled him to think he was under suspicion. ”