The stout man laughed.
"My dear madam," he said, "the young men connected with our best families don't dress as flashily as your late companion. He is probably a professional pickpocket. Did you have much money with you?"
"Over a hundred dollars. I was going down town to pay a bill."
"Then you ought to be much obliged to this boy for detecting the thief."
"I am," said the old lady earnestly. "Here, take this," she continued, and she drew a five-dollar bill from her pocketbook.
Mark hung back.
"No, thank you!" he said. "I don't want any pay for that."
"Give me your name and address, then."
Mark had a business card in his pocket, and wrote his name and address upon it.
"Give me your name and address too," said the gentleman who had proved so valuable an ally. "I may need your services some time."