As for the shop, that is already disposed of, as I dare say you know." "Disposed of?
The shop disposed of! Oh, Lord!" The assistant turned pale.

"Oh, Mr.Joseph," he asked earnestly, "what will become of the shop?
And who is to have it ?" "I am to have it," Mr.Joseph replied calmly.

This was the lie absolute, and he invented it very cleverly and at the right moment--a thing which gives strength and life to a lie, because he already suspected the truth and guessed the secret hope and ambition which possesses every ambitious assistant in this trade--namely, to get the succession.

Mr.James looked upon himself as the lawful and rightful heir to the business.

But sometimes he entertained grievous doubts, and now indeed his heart sunk into his boots.