This statement made a sensation. Some of those present recognized the clergyman, and even the floorwalker was impressed.
"Are you sure of this, sir?" he asked.
"Yes."
"Did you see the young man steal the pocket-book?"
"No, but I saw him put it into the boy's pocket."
By this time the policeman's attention had been called to the real thief.
"The minister is right, I make no doubt," he said. "I recognize that man. He is a well-known thief."
"Arrest him then!" said the floor-walker sullenly, for he was really sorry that Robert had been proven innocent.
The officer released his hold on our hero, and prepared to leave the store in charge of the real thief, who had, of course, emptied the pocket-book before placing it in Robert's pocket.
"Will you be present at the trial?" he asked the clergyman.