For Jimmy had made up his mind to grab both the bullies and hold them until the officer could arrive, regardless of what they might do to him, though he knew they would beat and kick him in an endeavor to get away. But he calculated it could not last long, as just before he prepared to tackle the two he saw the officer start toward the throng.
"Now for it," said Jimmy in a whisper to himself.
But just then something most unexpected happened. As Jimmy crept closer to the two unsuspecting ones he saw the hand of Mike Conroy slip into the pocket of a man standing near him. Softly and slowly the hand was inserted, and a moment later it was withdrawn, holding a pocketbook.
"He's picking that man's pocket!" thought Jimmy. "Now I can make another charge against him."
He made a sudden grab for Mike. At the same instant the man who had been robbed turned around, for he felt some movement in his pocket.
"Mr. Crosscrab!" exclaimed Jimmy, as he saw the man's face.
"Why, Jimmy, I've been looking for you!" cried the young man. "But what's this? My pocketbook!"
For he saw it in Mike's hand, which Jimmy held in a firm grasp.
"He stole it!" cried Jimmy.
"I did not! I found it on de sidewalk, an' I were jest goin' t' hand it back t' him!" cried the bully.