He spoke rather loudly—in fact so did “R. V.,” and it was but natural that several of the delayed passengers should gather outside the station, attracted by the voices.
Some of them looked in through the opened windows and doors, and, seeing nothing more than what seemed to be an ordinary dispute, strolled on.
“But this won’t do,” insisted “R. V.,” which expression seemed to be a favorite with him. “This won’t do at all, you know, my good fellow. My watch is gone, and my sister’s jewelry. It won’t do——”
“Well, I have nothing to do with it,” declared Joe, “and I don’t want to hear any more about it. This ends it—see!”
“Oh, but I say! You were nearest to my valise, and——”
“What’s the trouble?” interrupted the ticket agent, coming from his little office. “What’s the row here?”
“My valise!” exclaimed “R. V.” angrily. “It’s been opened, and——”
“He thinks I did it just because I sat near it!” broke in Joe, determined to get in his word first. “It’s absurd! I never touched his baggage.”
The agent looked at the modish youth.