"You have slandered me to him, Mr. Wade," he said, angrily. "You might
be in better business than accusingly a poor boy falsely."

"Hark you, young man! I have had enough of your impudence. I will give
you a bit of advice, which you will do well to follow. Leave this city
for a place where you are not known, or I may feel disposed to shut you
up on a charge of theft."

"I shall not leave the city, Mr. Wade," returned Frank, firmly. "I shall
stay here in spite of you," and without waiting for an answer, he walked
on.



CHAPTER XVI

AN ACCOMPLICE FOUND


No sooner had John Wade parted from our hero than he saw approaching him
a dark, sinister-looking man, whom he had known years before.

"Good-morning, Mr. Wade," said the newcomer.

"Good-morning, Mr. Graves. Are you busy just now?"

"No, sir; I am out of employment. I have been unfortunate."

"Then I will give you a job. Do you see that boy?" said John Wade,