THE ACCUSATION, AND WHAT FOLLOWED.
A person who is entirely innocent is likely to look confused when suddenly charged with theft. It came upon Robert so suddenly that he could not at first summon presence of mind enough to deny it. But at last he said indignantly, "I didn't take it. I never stole in my life."
"That's a likely story," said the floor-walker. "It got into your pocket itself, I suppose."
"I don't know how it got there. I only know I didn't put it there."
"Why did you come into the store--except to steal?"
"I came here to buy a necktie."
Just then in came an officer who had been summoned.
"Arrest that boy!" said the floor-walker. "He is a thief."
Robert started indignantly when the officer put his hand on his shoulder.
"That is false!" he said.