“Let me go!” the man demanded angrily. “I’ve not done anything.”
“Yes, he has,” accused the fat man. “He took my billfold.”
“And he’s the same one who stole Miss Gordon’s watch and our Brownie camp money,” added Veve excitedly.
Detective Gregg went through the man’s pockets. He found only one wallet which did not belong to the fat gentleman. Nor was his missing watch there either.
Veve and Connie were deeply puzzled. What had become of the articles? They knew the pickpocket had taken them.
“I suppose you dropped the watch and billfold when you ran,” said the detective to Pickpocket Joe. “An old trick of yours!”
“It may be an old trick, but you can’t prove anything,” the man retorted. “You’ve no evidence.”
Mr. Gregg knew the pickpocket was right. If he turned him over to the police, the man might bring a charge of false arrest.
Hearing the detective’s words, the Brownies started back through the thinning crowd. Carefully they searched the sawdust for the missing billfold and watch.
The girls still were searching unsuccessfully when Connie heard a lady directly behind her exclaim: