A tall, pleasant-looking officer, who had just entered the store, approached the desk.
"What can I do for you, Mr. Jones?" he asked.
"Arrest this boy!" said Jones, pointing with flushed face at his young customer.
"Arrest Bert Barton!" exclaimed Constable Drake, in amazement. "What on earth has he done?"
"Stolen a twenty-dollar bill from my desk, and then presented it to me in payment for some kerosene."
"The charge is false!" said Bert, his eyes glowing with indignation.
"Hear him deny it!" said Jones, looking at the circle that had gathered around them.
"I find it hard to credit your charge, Mr. Jones," replied the constable. "We all know Bert Barton, and I don't believe he would be guilty of theft."
"I require you to arrest the boy!" persisted the store-keeper, stamping his foot in excitement.
"Wait a moment! Did you see him take the bill?"