"You hid in the closet, intending to come out and steal when we were out of the way."
"What could I steal?" asked Jasper, looking around him.
"Do you mean to taunt me with my poverty?" exclaimed the ruffian, enraged.
"No; I am poorer than you."
"You look like it."
"It is true. I was robbed in the cars by a pickpocket, and because I was penniless and could not pay my fare I was put off at this station."
"Is this true?" demanded Dick, with a searching look.
"Yes; I wish it were not."
"How came you near this house?"
"I set out to walk to the village, and must have lost my way."