"I can't find my ticket or my money," said Grit, perplexed.
"Then you will have to leave the train at the next station," said the conductor suspiciously.
"It is very important that I should proceed on my journey," pleaded Grit. "I will give you my name, and send you the money."
"That won't do, youngster," said the conductor roughly. "I have heard of that game before. It won't go down."
"There is no game about it," said Grit. "My ticket and pocketbook have been stolen."
"Of course," sneered the conductor. "Perhaps you can point out the thief."
"No, I can't, for he has left the train. He got out at Exeter."
"Very likely. You can take the next train back and find him."
"Do you doubt that I had a ticket?" asked Grit, nettled by the conductor's evident incredulity.
"Yes, I do, if you want the truth. You want to steal a ride; that's what's the matter."