y?"
"My name is Andrew," said Andy, with dignity. "What right have you to
speak to me in this manner?"
"I'll tell you presently. You have made a nice return for my kindness."
"I know of no kindness. You got acquainted with me on the train, and
took me to a house where I didn't care to stop."
"Why didn't you care to stop there?"
"Because I found that it didn't have a good reputation. My employer
wouldn't care to have me stay at such a house."
"You are mighty independent for a young boy. I want you to return the
pocketbook of which you relieved me."
Andy was startled at this reckless charge.
"What do you mean?" he demanded, hotly. "You know that this is a
falsehood."
"We'll see if you will brazen it out. If you don't give me back the
pocketbook, which I have no doubt you have in your pocket at this
moment, I will have you arrested."
Andy began to feel nervous. He was a stranger in Chicago. There was no
one to identify him or vouch for his honesty. What if this man should
carry out his threat and have him arrested?
However, Andy had pluck, and didn't intend to surrender at discretion.
This conversation had attracted the attention of two or three guests of
the hotel, who were disposed to look with suspicion upon Andy. His
accuser appeared like a man of good position, being well dressed and
with an air of assurance.
One old gentleman, who was fond of giving advice, said, reprovingly:
"My boy, you will find it best to hand the gentleman his pocketbook. It
is sad to see one so young guilty of theft."
"Perhaps the boy is not guilty," suggested another guest.
"I am in the employ of a gentleman in New York," said Andy, "and this
man is scheming to rob me."
"You are perfectly shameless!" said Robinson, encouraged by what the
old gentleman had said. "I will give you just five minutes to return my
pocketbook, or I will have you arrested."
Andy felt that he was in a tight place, but his wits had not deserted
him.
"As you claim the pocketbook," he said, "perhaps you will tell how much
money there is in it."
"I can't tell exactly," replied Robinson. "I spend money liberally, and
I have not counted the money lately."
"That is quite reasonable," said the old gentleman. "I don't know how
much money there is in my wallet."
"What is there besides money in the pocketbook?" asked Andy following up
his advantage.
"I think there are a few postage stamps," answered Robinson at a guess.
"You
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