“Who asked you for it?” and now both the young gentlemen from Baker’s Court ran quickly to the side of their friend.
Josiah related the interview which he had had with the alleged collector, and when he concluded Bob and Tom burst into a fit of laughter.
“Well, you are too green to live,” Bob said as soon as it was possible for him to speak. “The idea of givin’ up good money to any feller what comes along askin’ for it!”
“But I had to. He was goin’ to make me.”
“Make nothin’! He’d been mighty careful to get away if you’d raised a row. But say, it won’t do for him to go off with that ten cents. Let’s hunt after him!”
Tom was quite as anxious to search for the boy who had robbed their friend; and, under the guidance of Josiah, the three started.
“Are you sure you’ll know him?” Bob asked.
“Indeed I will; but say, fellers, I don’t want to get into any row here jest ’cause of that money. I’d rather give twice as much than have a fuss.”
“There won’t be any trouble. He’ll come down with the stuff as soon as we get hold of him,” Tom replied confidently; and an instant later Josiah cried, as he pointed toward a group of boys standing near a statue:—
“There he is! That feller with the stick in his hand! He’s the one!”