"Did this Jack ever say anything to you about betting or card-playing?" asked the policeman, with a look that made Tom drop his eyes.
"No," he answered in a sullen tone.
"Now, Tom, if you know anything, tell us about it at once," implored his uncle.
But Tom shook his head. "I've told you all about it," he said.
"And you've nothing more to say?" enquired the policeman.
"What more did you want me to say?" asked Tom, in a tone of insolence.
"Where did you get the money to buy the Christmas cards with?" The policeman asked the question in a matter-of-course tone.
And Tom started, but recollecting that his mother's letter was fastened up, he thought he might brave it out.
"I didn't buy any Christmas cards," he said; "you must be mistaken."
But the policeman shook his head. "I know my business too well for that," he said. "Didn't you tell the man you had lost some money that was tied up in a pocket-handkerchief?"