"Mr. Drummond," said Walter, "I am sustained by a consciousness of my innocence, and therefore what you say has no effect upon me. It doesn't seem to be very just to convict me without evidence, and sentence me without trial."
"Will you give up that pocket-book?" demanded Mr. Drummond, furiously, having indulged in his little flight of oratory, and being now ready to proceed to business.
"No, sir, I will not," returned Walter, looking him firmly in the face.
Mr. Drummond made a dash for him, but Walter was used to dodging, and, eluding his grasp, ran behind the counter.
"Mr. Nichols, help me to catch him," said Mr. Drummond, quite red in the face.
But Nichols did not show any great readiness to obey. He let Walter pass him, and did not make the least effort to retain him.
Mr. Drummond was making ready to jump over the counter, when Nichols, to his great relief, observed the ladies, already referred to, coming up the steps from the street.
"Mr. Drummond, the ladies have returned," he said hastily.
"Aha!" said his employer, with exultation. "Now we will be able to prove your guilt, you young rascal! Here is the lady who bought the shawl of you."