m
view.

Fritz was received so kindly by the police commissioner that he felt
entirely at ease.

"So you were robbed, my little man. How did the churl look who picked
your pocket?"

"Oh, he was no churl, but a pleasant gentleman with a soft voice."

"Yes, we know this pleasant gentleman. How was he dressed the day you
saw him?"

"He wore a tall silk hat, a black broadcloth coat and vest, and although
it was a warm day, he had on a fine thin overcoat."

"Entirely right. You describe him well as to clothing. Now about his
face and form?"

"He was tall and slender, had a smooth face, black hair and black eyes
that looked quickly about him like a squirrel, and he had a scar over
his left eye."

"Exactly! Now tell me about your pocketbook."

"My mother gave it to me at Christmas, and--"

"There is no need to tell me that, my son."

"Yes, there is need, because in it is a tiny card on which is written
'To my loved Fritz, from his mother; Christmas.'"

"Oh, it is well to know this. Describe the pocketbook."

"It is of red leather, and has a bright clasp, and upon it I scratched
'Fritz' with my pocket knife."

"That is enough, my boy. Is this it?" and he held upon a red leather
pocketbook.

"No, mine is the same shape, but smaller."

"Is this it?" holding up another.

"Yes!" cried the boy joyously and reached for it.

"First tell me what is in it."

It was no trouble for Fritz to enumerate the coin; he had done it too
often to forget.

"The pocketbook is yours, my little man. Tell me, do you recognize this
photograph?"

"Yes, it is he; the very one, only his overcoat was not buttoned when he
robbed me."

"Exactly. We know our man and he is now behind iron bars. When your
aunt came here and gave the information, I sent one of my detectives to
a public house where these rascals congregate; and, sure enough, there
was your fine gentleman partaking of a good dinner washed down by a
bottle of good wine at your expense. Your gold-piece is safe and one of
the dollars. He used the other and the small change for his
refreshments. Here, take your pocketbook, and I wish to say that there
are not many grown people who could observe and describe so well the
thief who robbed them."

"I will not trust anybody again as I did that smooth-talking stranger.
I will be on the lookout all the time for thieves."

"Oh, my boy, do not let this affair make you suspicious of your
fellow-creatures, or you will never have