He is mine friend," he said. "He is
Fritz."

"Who is the other man?"

The German pointed to Henry Hogan, the same man who had defrauded Joe.

"The man's a fool," said Hogan. "Does he mean to say a gentleman
like me would steal his paltry money?"

"He hasn't said so," said the first officer quietly. "He only said
that you slept near him."

"He'd better not accuse me," blustered Hogan.

The officer was a judge of human nature, and Hogan's manner and words
made him suspect that he was really the guilty party.

"My man," said he, "you are making a fuss before you are accused. No
charge has been made against you. The man's money has been taken,
and some one must have taken it."

"I don't believe he ever had any," said Hogan.

"Can you prove that you had the money?" asked the officer, addressing
the German. "Has any one on board seen it in your possession?"

An Irishman named Riley came forward.

"That can I do," said he. "It was only yesterday morning that I saw
the man counting his money."

"In what denomination was the money?"

Pat Riley scratched his head.

"Sure I didn't know that money belonged to any denomination, sir."

The officer smiled.

"I mean, was it in five, or ten, or twenty dollar pieces."

"There was four tens, sir--four gould eagles."

"Is that right?" inquired the officer, turning to the German.

"Yes, sir, that's what I had."

"Then," said the officer, "it seems clearly proved that our German
friend here had the money he claims. Now, I suggest that the two men
he has said occupied bunks nearest to him shall be searched. But
first, if the man who has taken the money will come forward
voluntarily and return the same, I will guarantee that he shall
receive no punishment."

He paused for a brief space and looked at Hogan.

Hogan seemed uneasy, but stolid and obstinate.

"Since my offer is not accepted," said the officer, "let the two men
be searched."

Fritz, the young German, came forward readily.

"I am ready," he said.

"I am not," said Hogan. "I protest against this outrage. It is an
infringement of my rights as an American citizen. If any one dares
to lay hands on me, I will have him arrested as soon as we reach
California."

His threat produced no effect upon the officer. At a signal two
sailors seized him, and, despite his struggles, turned his pockets
inside out.

Among the contents were found four gold eagles.

"It is my money!" exclaimed the poor