"He is evidently a smart thief," continued Mr. Allen Price. "I must see if I have lost anything else."
He began a pretended examination of his clothes. In the meantime the crowd began to grow larger and larger.
"We can't stay here all day," said the policeman, roughly. "What have you got to say to the charge?"
"I say it isn't true," I replied. "This man is a humbug. He is following me for a purpose, and is trying to get me into trouble."
"Ridiculous!" cried my accuser. "Why, I never heard of such a thing before!"
"That story won't wash," said the officer to me. "Do you make a charge?" he continued to Mr. Allen Price.
My accuser hesitated. "I will, if it is not necessary for me to go along," he said. "I am pressed for time. My name is Sylvester Manners. I am a partner in the Manners Clothing Company. You know the firm, I presume."
"Oh, yes, sir," replied the officer. He knew the Manners Clothing Company to be a rich concern.
"I will stop at the station house to-morrow morning and make a complaint," continued Mr. Allen Price. "Don't let the young rascal escape."
"No fear, sir. Come on!" the last to me.