So he smiled as he sat down again and faced the uneasy cashier.
"I don't see why you should be sorry for my mother, Mr. Goodwyn. I have
done nothing that I need be ashamed of, and she will believe me, no
matter what happens. I have been like other boys, in their sports and in
playing pranks, but Mr. Goodwyn, I never deceived her in my life," he
said, with some show of feeling.
"That sounds very nice, Richard. I wish I could believe you. Of course
you can see that this envelope needs immediate explanation; for your
story about having a boy friend in that office is rather far-fetched, to
say the least," the cashier went on.
"I should say it did--fishy, I should call it," muttered Mr. Graylock,
with a shake of his head.
"All the same it is true. His name is Frank Patterson, and he used to
live here in Riverview," asserted the boy.
"I remember such a boy; but that does not prove your assertion by any
means. Do you know I can telegraph to that office and discover the
truth?"
He was watching the face of the other closely, expecting him to look
anxious; on the contrary Dick smiled broadly as he immediately answered:
"I wish you would, then, Mr. Goodwyn, or get them on the long distance
'phone. I would like to ask you one thing, first, sir; it might save you
the expense of such a call."
"Well, what is it?" coldly.
"I said that the letter was torn out of my hand by a sudden gust of
wind, and carried over the fence toward the river, and that I had no
time just then to try and find it again?"
"Yes, that is what you told us as near as I can remember--go on.
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