"So you are impertinent, as well as a thief," said the old gentleman. "I have no more pity for you. Madam, if you will take my advice, you will have the lying rascal arrested."
"I would prefer that he should give up the money quietly."
"I will take it upon myself to call a policeman when the car stops."
"You do me great injustice, sir," said Luke. "Why do you judge so severely of one whom you do not know?"
"Because, young man, I have lived too long to be easily deceived. I pride myself upon my judgment of faces, and I can see the guilt in yours."
Luke looked about him earnestly.
"Is there no one in this car who believes me innocent?" he asked.
"No," said the old gentleman. "We all believe that this very respectable lady charges you justly."
"I say amen to that," added the old maid, nodding sharply.
Next to the old maid sat a man of about thirty-five, in a business suit, who, though he had said nothing, had listened attentively to the charges and counter-charges. In him Luke was to find a powerful and effective friend.