“Rodney Ropes!” ejaculated Jasper in great surprise.

“Yes, Jasper, I came here to see you, and beg you to free me from the false charge which was brought against me when I was discharged from this store.  I didn’t find you in your usual places, and was directed here.”

“Ropes,” said Mr. Goodnow, “your innocence has been established.  This man,” indicating Philip Carton, “has confessed that it was he and Jasper who stole the missing articles.”

“I am thankful that my character has been cleared.”

“I am ready to take you back into my employ.”

“Thank you, sir, but I have now no need of a position.  I shall be glad if you will retain Jasper.”

“You are very generous to one who has done so much to injure you.”

“Indirectly he put me in the way of making a fortune.  If you will retain him, Mr. Goodnow, I will guarantee to make up any losses you may incur from him.”

“How is this?  Are you able to make this guarantee?”

“I am worth seventy five thousand dollars in money, besides being owner of a large mining property in Montana.”

“This is truly wonderful!  And you have accumulated all this since you left my store?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Rodney,” said Jasper, going up to his old rival, and offering his hand.  “I am sorry I tried to injure you.  It was to save myself, but I see now how meanly I acted.”

“That speech has saved you,” said the merchant.  “Go back to your work.  I will give you another chance.”

“Will you take me back also, Mr. Goodnow?” asked Philip Carton.

The merchant hesitated.

“No, Mr. Carton,” said Rodney.  “I will look out for you.  I will send you to Montana with a letter to my partner.  You can do better there than here.”

Tears came into the eyes of the ex-clerk.

“Thank you,” he said gratefully.  “I should prefer it.  I will promise to turn over a new leaf; and justify your recommendation.”

“Come to see me this evening at the Fifth Avenue Hotel, and I will arrange matters.”

“Shall you stay in the city long, Ropes?” asked the merchant.

“About a week.”

“Come and dine with me on Tuesday evening.”

“Thank you, sir.”

Later in the day Rodney sought out his old room mate Mike Flynn.  He found Mike in a bad case.  He had a bad cold, but did not dare to give up work, because he wouldn’t be able to meet his bills.  He was still in the employ of the District Telegraph Company.

“Give the company notice, Mike,” said Rodney.  “Henceforth I will take care of you.  You can look upon me as your rich uncle,” he added with a smile.

“I will be your servant, Rodney.”

“Not a bit of it.  You will be my friend.  But you must obey me implicitly.  I am going to send you to school, and give you a chance to learn something.  Next week I shall return to Dr. Sampson’s boarding school and you will go with me as my friend and room mate.”