"It must have rolled off, and been picked up by somebody," he thought; but the explanation was not calculated to bring any satisfaction. "I did not think I should fall asleep."
It occurred to him that some of the boys near by might have seen it. So he went up to a group of boot-blacks near by, one of whom was Jim, who had actually been concerned in the robbery. The other boys knew nothing of the affair.
"I say, boys," said Ben, "have you seen anything of my bundle?"
"What bundle, Johnny?" said Jim, who was now smoking his second cigar.
"I had a small bundle tied up in a newspaper," said Ben. "I put it under my head, and then fell asleep. Now I can't find it."
"Do you think we stole it?" said Jim, defiantly.
"Of course I don't," said Ben; "but I thought it might have slipped out, and you might have seen somebody pick it up."
"Haven't seen it, Johnny," said one of the other boys; "most likely it's stole."
"Do you think so?" asked Ben, anxiously.
"In course, you might expect it would be."