“Your word is of no value,” said Ford, scornfully.

“That is a matter for Mr. Reynolds to consider,” answered Grant, with composure.

“Mr. Ford,” said the broker, gravely, “I attach more importance to the testimony of this telegraph boy than you appear to; but then it is to be considered that you are an interested party.”

“Am I to be discredited on account of what a wretched telegraph boy chooses to say?” asked Ford, bitterly.  “Even supposing him worthy of credence, my two friends sustain me, and it is three against one.”

“They are your friends, then?” asked Mr. Reynolds, significantly.

Willis Ford flushed.  It was not to his credit to admit that an acknowledged gambler was his friend, yet he knew that to deny it would make Morrison angry, and perhaps lead him to make some awkward revelations.

“I have not known them long, sir,” he answered, embarrassed, “but I believe they feel friendly to me.  One of them,” he added, maliciously, “is an old friend of Grant Thornton.”

“Yes,” answered Grant, by no means disconcerted.  “Tom Calder is from the same town as myself, and I wish him well.”

Tom looked pleased at this friendly declaration on the part of Grant, whom, indeed, he personally liked better than Willis Ford, who evidently looked down upon him, and had more than once snubbed him.

“You see,” said Ford, adroitly, “that Grant Thornton’s old friend testifies against him.  I don’t think I need say any more except to deny, in toto, the statement of that low telegraph boy.”

“I’m no lower than you are,” retorted Johnny, angrily.

“None of your impertinence, boy!” said Ford, loftily.

“I must say,” interposed the housekeeper, “that this seems a very discreditable conspiracy against my stepson.  I am sure, Mr. Reynolds, you won’t allow his reputation to be injured by such a base attack.”

“Mr. Ford,” said the broker, “I have listened attentively to what you have said.  I ought to say that a telegraph boy has as much right to be believed as yourself.”

“Even when there are three against him?”

“The three are interested parties.”

“I have no doubt he is also.  I presume he has an understanding with Grant Thornton, who is a suspected thief.”

“I deny that, Mr. Ford,” exclaimed Grant, indignantly.

“You are certainly suspected of stealing my stepmother’s bonds.”

“And I have no doubt you took them,” declared the housekeeper, venomously.

At this time the doorbell was heard to ring.

“Excuse me for a moment,” said the broker.  “I will be back directly.”

When he had left the room, the parties left behind looked at each other uncomfortably.  Willis Ford, however, was too angry to keep silence.

He turned to Grant, and made an attack upon him.

“You won’t accomplish anything, you young rascal, by your plotting and contriving!  I give you credit for a good deal of cunning in bringing this boy to give the testimony he has; but it won’t do you any good.  Mr. Reynolds isn’t a fool, and he will see through your design.”