He led the way into an adjoining room, and assumed an air of attention.
"This man is a stranger to me," Luke commenced. "I saw him yesterday afternoon for the first time in my life."
"But he says he is your guardian."
"He is no more my guardian than you are. Indeed, I would much sooner select you."
"How did you get acquainted?"
"He introduced himself to me as a traveler for H. B. Claflin, of New York. I did not doubt his statement at the time, but now I do, especially after what happened in the night."
"What was that?" asked the clerk, pricking up his ears.
Luke went on to describe Coleman's search of his pockets.
"Did you say anything?"
"No. I wished to see what he was after. As I had left nearly all my money with you, I was not afraid of being robbed."