"I want you to hand over the money you stole awhile ago."
"What are you talking about? I never stole any money."
"You did. You broke into the Widow Canby's house less than an hour ago. Come, hand over that money."
The fellow gave a coarse laugh. "Ha! ha! do you think I'm to be bluffed by a boy? Get home with you, before I hammer you for calling me a thief."
"That's just what you are, and I don't intend to go until you hand over the money, John Stumpy," I returned decidedly.
"Ha! you know my name?"
I bit my lip. I was sorry for the slip I had made. But I put on a bold front. "I know what you are called," I replied.
"What I am called?"
"Yes."
"What do you mean? Come, out with it."