old gentleman.

"A ten-dollar bill," answered the woman.

"Was it in your pocketbook?"

"No," she replied, glibly. "It was in an envelope. It was handed to me
by my sister just before I left home."

As soon as Luke heard this declaration, he understood that the woman
had laid a trap for him, and he realized his imprudence in displaying
the money. Naturally he looked excited and disturbed. He saw that in
all probability the woman's word would be taken in preference to his.
He might be arrested, and find it difficult to prove his innocence.

"Have you any suspicion as to who took it?" asked the old gentleman.

"I think this boy took it," said the woman pointing to Luke.

"It's terrible, and he so young!" said an old lady with a severe cast
of countenance, who sat next to the old gentleman. "What is the world
coming to?"

"What, indeed, ma'am?" echoed the old gentleman.

Luke felt that it was time for him to say something.

"This lady is quite mistaken," he declared, pale but resolute. "I'm no
thief."

"It can easily be proved," said the woman, with a cunning smile. "Let
the boy show the contents of his pockets."

"Yes, that is only fair."

Luke saw that his difficulties were increasing.

"I admit that I have a ten-dollar bill in an envelope," he said.

"I told you so!" said the woman, triumphantly.

"But it is my own."

"Graceless boy!" said the old gentleman, severely, "Do not add
falsehood to theft."

"I am speaking the truth, sir."

"How the boy brazens it out!" murmured the sour-visaged lady.

"Return the lady her money, unless you wish to be arrested," said the
old gentleman.

"I don't intend to give this person"--Luke found it hard to say
lady--"what she has no claim to."

"Young man, you will find that you are making a grand mistake.
Probably if you give up the money the lady will not prosecute you."

"No, I will have pity upon his youth," said the woman.

"I can tell exactly where I got the money," went on Luke,
desperately.

"Where did you get it?" asked the old maid, with a sarcastic smile.

"From Mrs. Merton, of Prairie Avenue."

"What did she give it to you for?"

"I am in her employment."

"Gentlemen," said the woman, shrugging her shoulders, "you can judge
whether this is a probable story."

"I refer to Mrs. Merton herself," said Luke.

"No doubt! You want to gain time. Boy, I am getting out of patience.
Give me my money!"

"I have no money of yours, madam," replie