"I am aware of that, but you gave me a letter of introduction to H. B. Claflin, and borrowed two dollars of me, promising to pay me when you settled with the Tribune for editorial contributions."
"There is not a word of truth in this," said Barry, fidgeting in his chair.
"I have been listening to your conversation for fifteen minutes," continued Jed, "and I heard you give an account of the matter to your friend here."
Barry hesitated a moment. Even his brazen hardihood was scarcely adequate to the emergency. He was the more uneasy because a policeman was sitting at the next table but one.
"It was only a practical joke, boy," he said hurriedly. "I'll pay you back the two dollars."
"That will be satisfactory," returned Jed.
"But I can't do it to-day. I'll meet you on Monday afternoon, as I said. I am in rather a hurry now and must be going."
He rose from the table precipitately, and went up to the desk followed by his friend.
"Shall I stop him?" thought Jed.