"You ought to be thrashed for your impertinence."
"Suppose you call the conductor and complain of me. You may tell your story and I will tell mine."
This suggestion seemed fair enough, but it did not appear to strike the Rev. Mr. Buffington favorably.
"I do not care to notice the foolish insolence of a half grown boy," and the pseudo clergyman, taking a paper from his lap, half turned away from Mark, and began to read, or appeared to do so.
Mark, however, did not propose to be bluffed off in this manner.
"Mr. Buffington," he said resolutely, "I am a boy, but I know what I am about. You took the young lady's purse. Before you sat down beside her she had it in her pocket. When you left the car it was gone."
"If I ever get you alone," said Buffington in a low tone of concentrated rage.
"If you do, I hope you won't forget your sacred profession."
"I am a minister, but I am also a gentleman, and I shall resent an insult."
"Look here," said Mark, getting out of patience, "either you give me back that purse for the young lady or I will call the conductor and lay the matter before him."