"Your cabin entered!" exclaimed Joe. "What do you say to that, Luke?"

 

"I did not know there were any thieves around here," answered Luke. "What was taken?"

 

"An old trunk was opened--I carelessly left it unlocked--and two five-dollar gold pieces were stolen out of it. At any rate I couldn't find them this morning."

 

"Two five-dollar gold pieces?" said Joe quickly. "Then I know who took them."

 

"What do you mean, Joe?" said Luke. "Out with it!"

 

"You know that tramp who was here yesterday, Luke?"

 

"Yes."

 

"He came round an hour ago, just after I had opened, and called for a glass of whisky. 'Where is your money?' I asked. 'I've got plenty. You needn't be afraid,' he said. Then I called upon him to show it, and he pulled out a five-dollar gold piece. Of course I was surprised. 'Where did you get it?' I asked, suspiciously. 'Yesterday you said you had no money.' 'I had that,' he answered, 'but I didn't want to spend it. You see it was a gift from my dyin' mother, and I wanted to keep it for her sake.' With that he rolled up his eyes and looked sanctimonious². Then I asked him how it happened that he was ready to spend it now."

 

"What did he say?"

 

"He said that he was so parched³ with thirst that he felt obliged to do it."

 

"Did you take his money?"

 

"No. I was short of change. You see I changed a gold piece for the boy yesterday. Besides, I wasn't sure the piece was good, seeing who offered it. I thought it might be bogus."

 

"Then he didn't get his whisky?"

 

"No. He went away disappointed. I don't doubt, Ernest, that the gold piece was one of yours. How did the fellow get in?"

 

"Through the window. I found it open when I woke up."

 

"You must have slept sound?"

 

"I did. I slept an hour later than I generally do."

 

"Was anything else taken?"

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