d Luke, provoked; "and you
know that as well as I do."

"So you are impertinent, as well as a thief," said the old gentleman.
"I have no more pity for you. Madam, if you will take my advice, you
will have the lying rascal arrested."

"I would prefer that he should give up the money quietly."

"I will take it upon myself to call a policeman when the car stops."

"You do me great injustice, sir," said Luke. "Why do you judge so
severely of one whom you do not know?"

"Because, young man, I have lived too long to be easily deceived. I
pride myself upon my judgment of faces, and I can see the guilt in
yours."

Luke looked about him earnestly.

"Is there no one in this car who believes me innocent?" he asked.

"No," said the old gentleman. "We all believe that this very
respectable lady charges you justly."

"I say amen to that," added the old maid, nodding sharply.

Next to the old maid sat a man of about thirty-five, in a business
suit, who, though he had said nothing, had listened attentively to the
charges and counter-charges. In him Luke was to find a powerful and
effective friend.

"Speak for yourself, old gentleman," he said. "You certainly are old
enough to have learned a lesson of Christian charity."

"Sir," exclaimed the old gentleman, in a lofty tone, "I don't require
any instruction from you."

"Why do you think the boy a thief? Did you see him take the money?"

"No, but its presence in his pocket is proof enough for me of his
guilt."

"Of course it is!" said the old maid, triumphantly.

The young man did not appear in the least disconcerted.

"I have seldom encountered more uncharitable people," he said. "You
are ready to pronounce the boy guilty without any proof at all."

"Don't it occur to you that you are insulting the lady who brings the
charge?" asked the old gentleman, sternly.

The young man laughed.

"The woman has brought a false charge," he said.

"Really, this is outrageous!" cried the old maid. "If I were in her
place I would make you suffer for this calumny."

"Probably I know her better than you do. I am a salesman in Marshall
Field's drygoods store, and this lady is a notorious shoplifter. She
is varying her performances to-day. I have a great mind to call a
policeman. She deserves arrest."

Had a bombshell exploded in the car, there would not have been a
greater sensation. The woman rose without a word, and signaled to have
the car stopped.

"Now, sir," went on th