"I wish to speak to you a moment."
He rose without making any opposition, and walked to the other end of the car.
"Well," he said, and there was a slight nervousness in his tone, "what's the matter? Wasn't my ticket all right?"
"No trouble about that. The thing is, will you restore this boy's pocket-book?"
"Sir," said the pickpocket, blustering, "do you mean to insult me? What have I to do with his pocket-book?"
"You sat beside him, and he missed it directly after you left him."
"What is that to me? You may search me if you like. You will find only one pocket-book upon me, and that is my own."
"I am aware of that," said the conductor, coolly. "I saw you take the money out and throw it from the car platform."
The pickpocket turned pale.