"Mr. Frank Sylvester," answered Rupert, promptly¹.

 

The lawyer looked interested.

 

"I know Mr. Sylvester," he said. "I live on the same street."

 

"He gave me this basket of provisions also," added Rupert.

 

"Why did he give you the purse?"

 

"Because I met him down town feeling ill, and at his request went home with him."

 

"The boy is all right," said the lawyer, looking satisfied. "Here is the purse. It is undoubtedly² yours."

 

"And where do I come in?" asked the young woman. "Is that boy going off with my money?"

 

[Pg 33]

 

Just then they reached the next station, and among those who boarded the train was a policeman. The girl evidently recognized him, for she turned away to escape attention.

 

Before the officer had a chance to speak to her the old lady broke in with:

 

"Policeman, there's a poor girl been robbed of her purse by that boy, and that gentleman there is protecting him."

 

The policeman laughed.

 

"So, Kate, you have had your purse stolen, have you?" he asked.

 

The girl looked embarrassed.

 

"I may be mistaken," she admitted.

 

"I am afraid you have been up to one of your tricks."

 

"Do you know the girl?" asked the lawyer.

 

"I have arrested her more than once for playing a confidence game. It is only three weeks since I had her up before the Jefferson Market Police Court."

 

"Well, I declare!" exclaimed the old lady, astounded³.

 

The girl sprang from her seat when the next station was reached, and hastily left the car.

 

[Pg 34]

 

"My boy," said the lawyer, "I must ask your pardon for doubting you even for a moment. This good lady, too, ought to apologize to you."

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