The German pointed to Henry Hogan, the same man who had defrauded Joe.
“The man’s a fool,” said Hogan. “Does he mean to say a gentleman like me would steal his paltry money?”
“He hasn’t said so,” said the first officer quietly. “He only said that you slept near him.”
“He’d better not accuse me,” blustered Hogan.
The officer was a judge of human nature, and Hogan’s manner and words made him suspect that he was really the guilty party.
“My man,” said he, “you are making a fuss before you are accused. No charge has been made against you. The man’s money has been taken, and some one must have taken it.”
“I don’t believe he ever had any,” said Hogan.
“Can you prove that you had the money?” asked the officer, addressing the German. “Has any one on board seen it in your possession?”
An Irishman named Riley came forward.
“That can I do,” said he. “It was only yesterday morning that I saw the man counting his money.”