“Tom’s a very decent lad,” remarked the jailer, on the way.  “He ain’t a natural criminal, you know; just one o’ them that gives in to temptation and is foolish enough to get caught.  I’ve seen lots of that kind in my day.  You don’t smoke, do you, Mr. Forbes?”

“No, Mr. Markham.”

“Then don’t begin it; or, if you do, never try to quit.  It’s—­it’s awful, it is.  And it ruins a man’s disposition.”

The mill was at the outskirts of the town.  It was a busy place, perhaps the busiest in the whole of the Eighth District, and in it were employed a large number of men.  The office was a small brick edifice, separated from the main buildings, in which the noise of machinery was so great that one speaking could scarcely be heard.  The manager was in, Kenneth and Beth learned, but could not see them until he had signed the letters he had dictated for the noon mail.

So they sat on a bench until a summons came to admit them to Mr. Marshall’s private office.

He looked up rather ungraciously, but motioned them to be seated.

“Mr. Forbes, of Elmhurst?” he asked, glancing at the card Kenneth had sent in.

“Yes, sir.”

“I’ve been bothered already over your election campaign,” resumed the manager, arranging his papers in a bored manner.  “Some girl has been here twice to interview my men and I have refused to admit her.  You may as well understand, sir, that I stand for the Democratic candidate, and have no sympathy with your side.”

“That doesn’t interest me, especially, sir,” answered Kenneth, smiling.  “I’m not electioneering just now.  I’ve come to talk with you about young Gates.”

“Oh.  Well, sir, what about him?”

“I’m interested in the boy, and want to save him from prosecution.”

“He’s a forger, Mr. Forbes; a deliberate criminal.”

“I admit that.  But he’s very young, and his youth is largely responsible for his folly.”

“He stole my money.”

“It is true, Mr. Marshall.”

“And he deserves a term in state’s prison.”

“I agree to all that.  Nevertheless, I should like to save him,” said Kenneth.  “His trial has not yet taken place, and instead of your devoting considerable of your valuable time appearing against him it would be much simpler to settle the matter right here and now.”

“In what way, Mr. Forbes?”

“I’ll make your money loss good.”

“It has cost me twice sixty dollars in annoyance.”

“I can well believe it, sir.  I’ll pay twice sixty dollars for the delivery to me of the forged check, and the withdrawal of the prosecution.”

“And the costs?”

“I’ll pay all the costs besides.”

“You’re foolish.  Why should you do all this?”

“I have my own reasons, Mr. Marshall.  Please look at the matter from a business standpoint.  If you send the boy to prison you will still suffer the loss of the money.  By compromising with me you can recover your loss and are paid for your annoyance.”