Haynes scowled at him malignantly.
"I really don't think it very important what you believe, sir. The boy is evidently a professional thief, and you may belong to the same gang for aught I know. I propose to give him in charge to the next policeman we meet."
"Do so," said the stranger, coolly. "I shall be present at his trial, and offer some important testimony."
"Indeed!" said Haynes, uneasily. "May I ask what it is?"
"Certainly. I saw you thrust the wallet into the boy's pocket! Of that I am willing to make oath."
James Haynes turned pale. There was a sudden change in public opinion. It was he who now had become an object of suspicion.
"Young man," said the clergyman, solemnly, "what could have induced you to enter into such a wicked conspiracy against the poor boy?"
"Mind your own business!" said Haynes, rudely. "It is a lie."
"It is the truth," said the volunteer witness, calmly.
Here a policeman became visible from the car-window, leisurely walking his beat on the western sidewalk.