The adventurer turned swiftly when he heard Mark's startling question. He seemed astounded at the boy's audacity.
"What did you say?" he demanded with hauteur.
"I asked you to return the purse which you took from a young lady in the second car back," repeated Mark calmly.
"Boy," said the false minister, "you must be insane or drunk."
"I don't think I am either," returned Mark.
"What do you mean by such nonsense, then? Are you aware that I am a minister of the gospel?"
"Where do you preach?"
"It is of no consequence," said the other loftily. "I am not in habit of being insulted by whipper-snappers like you."
"Are you in the habit of taking young ladies' purses, Mr.——"
"Rev. Mr. Buffington is my name, young man."