"Madam," he said to the old lady, "I think you have been robbed. Feel in your pockets and see."
The old lady, startled, followed Mark's advice.
"My pocketbook is gone!" she said nervously.
"Out of the way, boy!" cried the young man. "I have to get out here."
"Not yet," answered Mark firmly. "Give back the lady's pocketbook."
"Why, you insolent young rascal! What do you mean?"
"I mean just what I say."
"You have insulted me, and I will horsewhip you!" exclaimed the rogue in assumed virtuous indignation.
He seized Mark by the shoulder and was about to thrust him forcibly aside, when a stout, thick-set man rose and ranged himself by Mark's side.
"Young man," he said, "give back the pocketbook as the boy tells you."