"How are you going to do it?" asked Frank.
"Oh, I'll work it somehow. You just watch me."
Frank and Billy laughed and then proceeded to admire the scenery, while Andy began planning how he might carry out his trick.
"I have it!" he finally announced. "I'll stroll past the old maid, and ask her if she doesn't want a drink of water. I've noticed her fidgeting for the last ten minutes, and I'm sure she's dry, and too bashful to ask the porter for a drink, or get it herself. Then I'll be near enough to switch the bags."
"Go ahead. You'll get caught, sure," declared Frank.
Andy only laughed recklessly, and started down the aisle of the swaying car intending to approach the maiden lady.
"Would you like a drink?" he asked her politely.
"Thank you, I would," she answered, with a smile. "I cannot walk in these swaying cars very well, and I'm afraid I don't know how to get water from those patent faucets."
"I'll get you one," said Andy, with as innocent a face as if he had never played a practical joke in his life. He accepted a collapsible cup, which the elderly lady held out to him, and, as he took it, he winked at his companions, farther down the aisle, and with a sly motion of his foot put the valise where he could easily reach it. At the same time he swayed over toward the old gentleman, as though the lurch of the train had tossed him off his balance.
"Oh, I beg your pardon!" gasped Andy. "I—er——"