"I'm very sorry, sir, but you see——"
"I'm not blaming you, my boy, since it was the other fellow who did the mischief. Tell me how you lost your stuff."
"My what?"
"Your stuff—money."
"Oh!" and Teddy at once gave the stranger a detailed account of all that had happened, the latter saying, as the story was concluded:
"I wouldn't be afraid to bet my head that Long Jim was the duck who played the trick. I know he came here, headed for the fair grounds, and it's jest about his style of working."
"Do you think there's any chance I'll get it back?"
"He shall give up if I see him. I'll be at the fair myself, working a neat little game, and will see you there."
With this remark the stranger walked away, and Teddy went toward the depot once more, feeling quite certain he had made a friend who would aid him in his new venture.