"His name is—is—"
And here, being greatly confused, Richard could not remember the leather merchant's name.
"Come, answer me," continued the man sharply.
"His name is—is—I've forgotten it!" stammered the boy in confusion.
"Humph! A very plausible excuse I must say," sneered the man.
"It's the truth. I met the gentleman on the train. He introduced himself, and we had quite a chat. Then he asked me to look after his baggage while he went into the smoking-car, and while he was gone the accident happened."
"Where is the man now?" asked the first official.
"I don't know. I've been trying to find him."
"Do you expect me to believe that?" exclaimed the other. "There isn't a soul missing from that wreck!"
"I can't help it," replied Richard stoutly, for he was recovering from the shock he had received. "What I'm telling you is a fact."