Then came the thought that possibly he had dropped the things, and he hastily retraced his steps, scrutinizing every inch of the way as he went.
But, as we know, such an effort was fruitless, and by the time he had reached the newspaper-office Richard was convinced that it was a plain case of robbery and nothing else.
"But when did it happen? I had the letters when I reached the street—hold up; that boy. I'm sure he's the one!" he exclaimed to himself. "I remember now feeling something at my pocket when I put my hand up to my collar. That bug business was only a ruse! Well, I am a fool! And after all Mr. Joyce and Doc Linyard told me, too!"
The thought of how he had been taken in made Richard fairly sick, and the tears of vexation sprang into his eyes as he stood deliberating upon what to do next.
Just then a burly policeman came lounging along. Richard touched him on the arm.
"I have been robbed," he said.
"Robbed? Where? When?" exclaimed the officer, all attention.
Richard told him all he knew of his case.
"I think I know the chap," said the officer. "But I can do nothing now. He is likely a mile away by this time."
"Will you watch out for him?" asked Richard.