Gilbert proceeded to search John, the latter assisting him. A jack-knife, a couple of keys, a handkerchief, and twenty-five cents in money were all that he found.
“I’m not very rich,” said John, smiling. “I don’t mind saying that the ten dollars would be very acceptable, but I haven’t got it; are you satisfied?”
“Yes,” said Gilbert, “you haven’t got it, and I didn’t think you had; you may search me now.”
John conducted the search carelessly, for he knew, beforehand, what the result would be.
“I don’t find it,” he said. “Where can the bill be? Are you sure you didn’t put it back into your own pocket, cousin Simon?”
“Quite sure. By the way, Gilbert, didn’t you wear an overcoat?”
“Yes, sir; there it is, hanging up.”
“John, you had better examine that also, that the search may be thorough.”
“Certainly,” said Gilbert, little dreaming of what was in store for him.
John plunged his hand into one pocket and found nothing; then into the other, and drew out the ten-dollar bill.