"Of course; that's a common game," interposed the policeman.
"Have you any reason for what you say, my boy?" asked a quiet-looking man, with a pleasant face.
"Of course he hasn't," replied Vincent hastily.
"I spoke to the boy, sir."
"I have a reason," answered Tom. "A friend of this man roomed with me at Pittsburg, and during the night tried to rob me. We were both passengers on the River Belle on the last trip. During the trip he entered our stateroom, and stole a wallet from my roommate. This man slyly put it into my pocket, in order to escape suspicion."
"It's a lie!" exclaimed Vincent uneasily. "Gentlemen, the boy is very artful, and the greatest liar out."
"Of course he is!" assented the policeman. "Come along, young feller!"
"Wait a minute," said the quiet man. "Have you any proof of your statements, my boy, except your own word?"
"Yes, sir; my roommate will tell you the same thing."
"Who is he? Where can he be found?"