Robert could not see Cross, but he recognized the sharper's voice, and at once came to the conclusion that the two men had laid a plot to rob him.
Nearly strangled, he let go his hold of Huskin, and tried to break Andy Cross' grip.
The moment Jim Huskin felt himself free he wrenched Robert's watch and chain from their fastening and placed them in his own pocket.
Then he dove into the boy's coat.
"Let—let me go!" spluttered Robert. "Help! thiev——"
He could go no farther, for now his wind was cut off entirely. All grew black before his eyes, and it was only in a hazy fashion that he felt Huskin snatch the money from where he had placed it with care.
"Got what you want?" asked Andy Cross.
"Yes."
"Sure about the money?"