"That is very mysterious. I don't understand how the pocketbook came in my pocket."
"Someone must have put it there who wished you to be suspected of the theft."
"Yes," said Luke, eagerly. "I see."
Then he stopped suddenly, for what he was about to say would throw suspicion upon Harold.
"Well, go on!"
"I don't know that I ought to speak. It might throw suspicion on an innocent person."
"Speak! It is due to me. I will judge on that point. Who has had the chance of putting the wallet into your pocket?"
"I will speak if you insist upon it, Mrs. Merton," said Luke, reluctantly. "A few minutes since I met Harold on the street. We were bound in opposite directions. He surprised me by stopping me, and addressing me quite cordially. We stood talking together two or three minutes."
"Did he have an opportunity of putting the wallet in your pocket?"
"He might have done so, but I was not conscious of it."