"Hardly. I had it quarter of an hour ago. when I was in the reading room. Ha, I have it! That young man took it from me." And Pete Rackley started back to the reading room.
"What young man?"
"The fellow who brushed up so close to me at the table. There he is!" Rackley ran up to Dave and caught him by the shoulder. "You thief!" he ejaculated. "Give me back my money!"
Of course Dave was taken completely by surprise.
"Your money?" he repeated. "I know nothing of your money."
"You must have it. Sir, will you have him searched?" went on Pete Rackley to the clerk.
"Certainly, he can search me if he wishes," said Dave, promptly. "I am no thief."
A few more words followed, and the clerk began to search Dave. Soon the pocket-book was brought to light, much to Dave's astonishment and dismay.
"Ha! what did I tell you!" ejaculated Pete Rackley. "Call an officer at once. I want this young rascal arrested on the spot!" and he caught hold of Dave again, that the youth might not escape.