.

"He says so, because I exposed him," he remarked, turning to the crowd.

"Of course; that's a common game," interposed the policeman.

"Have you any reason for what you say, my boy?" asked a quiet-looking
man, with a pleasant face.

"Of course he hasn't," replied Vincent hastily.

"I spoke to the boy, sir."

"I have a reason," answered Tom. "A friend of this man roomed with me at
Pittsburg, and during the night tried to rob me. We were both passengers
on the _River Belle_ on the last trip. During the trip he entered our
stateroom, and stole a wallet from my roommate. This man slyly put it
into my pocket, in order to escape suspicion."

"It's a lie!" exclaimed Vincent uneasily. "Gentlemen, the boy is very
artful, and the greatest liar out."

"Of course he is!" assented the policeman. "Come along, young feller!"

"Wait a minute," said the quiet man. "Have you any proof of your
statements, my boy, except your own word?"

"Yes, sir; my roommate will tell you the same thing."

"Who is he? Where can he be found?"

"He is Mr. Nicholas Waterbury, of Marietta. He is now at the Burnet
House."

"That's all gammon!" said the officer roughly. "Come along. I can't wait
here all day."

"Don't be in a hurry, officer," said the quiet man. "I know Mr.
Waterbury, and I believe the boy's story is correct."

"It ain't any of your business!" said the officer insolently. "The boy's
a thief, and I'm goin' to lock him up."

"Look out, sir!" said the quiet man sternly. "You are overstepping the
limits of your duty, and asserting what you have no possible means of
knowing. There is reason to believe that this man"--pointing out
Vincent--"is the real thief. I call upon you to arrest him."

"I don't receive no orders from you, sir," said the policeman. "I'm more
likely to take you along."

"That's right, officer," said Vincent approvingly. "The man is
interfering with you in the exercise of your duty. You have a perfect
right to arrest him."

"I have a great mind to," said the officer, who was one of the many who
are puffed up by a little brief authority, and lose no opportunity of
exercising it.

The quiet man did not seem in the least alarmed. He smiled, and said,
"Perhaps, officer, it might be well for you to inquire my name, before
proceeding to arrest me."

"Who are you?" demanded the officer insolently.

"I am Alderman Morris."

A great change came over the policeman. He knew now that the quiet man
before him