Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-06-11
CHAPTER II.

The following morning Mr.. Joseph Gregson
felt remarkably seedy, and at one time he con-
templated sending a note 10 the manager asking
to be excused on account of illness, but then he
had done this 80 many times lately that he
thought 1t unadvisable. So, after q cup of
strong coffee and pick-me-up in the shape of
brandy and soda, he pulled himself together
and started for the city. He had not long taken
his seat at his desk when the messenger came to
him and informed him that he was wanted in
the managers room. OF course he knew well
enough that he was in for wigging: but he put
Oh bold face and entered the room with a bow
''Sit down, Mr.. Gregson." said Mr. Benson,
kindly; Il want TO have some talk with you''
Gregson did as be was bid and the old gem
tleman proceeded:
'.You know that since YOU have been in our
employ have always taken a kindly interest in
your welfare, and have given YOU good deal
OF seasonable advice, upon which. am sorry
to say. you have not acted. and which. am
afraid. has been thrown away"
Il have ALWAYS tried to do nv duty in the
Office, and l had fiattered myself that had
succeeded, replied Gregson.
THAT is not the point sir. said Mr. Benson,
austerely. Il am alluding to what takes place
after Office hours. l understand you are lead
ing very dissipated life and that some of your
associates are of most disreputable character ="
Indeed. sir, in the latter case you are en-
L
ing rather a gay life, but l never associate with
any but gentlemen"
Perhaps you think so but l know better.
We're the men you were in company with last
night gentlemen
Gregson was silent for a moment. How did
the old gentleman know where he spent the
evening" We'll. sir, he said at last, II can t
say they were. only went to a smoking con-
cert given by an artistic and literary club"
Artistic and literary" growied Mr.. Benson.
my good fellow, il it possible that YOU have
been SO hoodwinked? But stop a bit and IN
open your eyes" and he touched bell which
was answered by a messenger ''Send in Mr..
ROdman." he said
When this gentleman entered the room Greg
son started, and he was more startled when Mr.
Benson introduced him, saying:
This Is Detective Sergeant Rodman You.
however, know him by different name. Now.
sergeant" he went on, tell Mr.. Gregson what
your report is Of the society known as The
Canaries.'
"The club proper, or what they term the
inner circle, or the nest, are all, to a man,
thieves
mo, not at all,'' exclaimed Gregson promptly:
''not my old school fellow and friend, Walter
Neame. He is an author and artist and is well
known as a contributor to the illustrated weekly
papers" :.
that is only cloak to cover his more nefarious
occupation"
81 don't believe it!" exclaimed Gregson.
"He is a gentleman, every inch of him, and
would not condescend to do mean action"
Its all very well, SIR" continued the SER
geant; "but facts are facts, as you will very
shortly see Our plans are not yet matured
when they are. you will see what narrow es-
cape you have had
when ! see it shall believe it, replied
Gregson, doggedly.
II don't think you are taking this matter in
the right light, Mr.. Gregson," interposed Mr.
Benson. Mr.. Rodman has certainly acted
toward YOU in most friendly manner. He tool
the trouble to find out where you were employed
and came to me to ask me to save you Now,
Of course, you can see that after this disclosure
it will not be safe for US to continue to employ
you: but ~ your father was An old servant OF
the bank. and as have the highest respect for
your excellent mother, this in what propose
There Is Q check for your quarters salary and
also . quarter in lieu Of notice. You can have
this on condition that you 60 home to your
mother and stay with her till You have permis-
sion TO come back. Do you agreeT"
~ cannot do otherwise" replied the youna
man, sulkily, Though I think you are treating
mo rather hardly. Surprising all that the SER
Reant says Il true I am entirely innocent Of any
completely in the matter"
THAT quite believe" returned Mr.. Benson
''but stin do not see that We are treating you
hardly. We are going TO give you four
months holiday and pay your salary al thu
az Is not that, sir" aid Oregon, sadly; III
h that you NO longer trust ma"