He was prepared, therefore, for any disagreeable scene which might occur.
There was another circumstance also which rendered the bully's presence decidedly unpleasant at this time,--an event that had occurred during his absence, the particulars of which he had received from his mother.
Tom's father, who was a poor man, and addicted to intemperance, had lost ten dollars.

He had brought it home, and, as he affirmed, placed it in one of the bureau drawers.

The next day it could not be found.

Spicer, for some reason, was satisfied that Tom had taken it; but the boy stoutly and persistently denied it.

No money was found upon him, however, and it did not appear that he had spent any at the stores in Riverdale Centre.
The affair created some excitement in the vicinity, for Spicer made no secret of his suspicions, and publicly accused Tom of the theft.