“I am sure I should.”

“Did he know how much money you recovered?”

“Yes, for he saw me count the bills.”

“Then we must seek him out and induce him to go with us to Mr. Godfrey’s counting-room and give his testimony.”

“I never thought of that,” said Herbert, his face brightening.  “When shall we go?”

“Now.  I have nothing else to occupy me, and the sooner you are righted the better.”

They went out together, and made their way at once to the spot where Herbert had encountered Greenleaf.  They had to wait but a brief time when the policeman came up.

“Do you remember me?” asked Herbert, going up to him.

“Yes,” he replied; “you are the boy that overhauled a thief the other day, and got back his money.”

“You see, he remembers,” said Herbert, with satisfaction.

“My friend,” said Ralph, “when will you be off duty?”

“In half an hour,” said the policeman, in surprise.

“In half an hour, then, I want you to go with me to this boys employer and repeat your story.  The possession of the money has caused him to be suspected, and your evidence, confirming his own, will clear him of having obtained it improperly.”

“I will go,” said the officer, “and shall be glad to get him out of a scrape.  It was all fair and above-board, and I’ll say so cheerfully.”

At the end of the half hour the three made their way to Mr. Godfrey’s place of business and entered together.

Mr. Godfrey marked their entrance with surprise, and looked inquiringly at Herbert.

“Mr. Godfrey,” said Herbert, respectfully, “I have come to prove to you that the money I have in my pocketbook is my own.”

“I shall be very glad if you can do so,” said Mr. Godfrey; and it was evident from his manner that he spoke sincerely.

“This officer knows all the circumstances, and will tell you what he knows.”

The policeman made his statement, partly in answer to questions from Mr. Godfrey.

“The explanation is satisfactory,” said Mr. Godfrey, “and convinces me.  It does not, however, absolutely clear you, since between the time of the money being lost and your being searched you went out to the post office, and you might have disposed of the pocketbook and its contents on the way.”

Herbert’s countenance fell, but Mr. Godfrey hastened to add.  “Although your vindication is not complete, I will say that I believe you fully, and will receive you back into my employ.”

“You have forgotten one thing, sir,” said Herbert.  “Thomas declares that he saw me pick up the wallet and put it in my pocket.”

“So I did,” said Tom, boldly.

Mr. Godfrey looked perplexed, and was hesitating what to say when Mr. Walton, the owner of the lost pocketbook, hurriedly entered.

“Mr. Godfrey,” he said, “I have to beg your pardon, and, most of all, the pardon of this boy,” indicating Herbert.  “I have found my pocketbook.  I didn’t lose it here, but my pocket was picked in the street.  The pickpocket was arrested, and the wallet has been returned to me.  This boy is innocent.”