"Are you a thief, then?" demanded Robert, quickly.

"No; and you'd better not call me so. I'm only goin' to borrer your money; I'll give you my note for it," returned the tramp with a cunning grin.

"I decline to lend," said Robert stoutly.

"Look here, my young chicken!" said the man in a menacing tone. Ain't you crowin' rather too loud for a bantem? Do you know who I am?"

"No, but I can guess."

"Guess, then?"

"You're a man whose company I do not like."

The tramp laughed. Instead of offending, the reply appeared to amuse him.

"That's true enough, I reckon. Well, I'm a man that don't stand no nonsense. I want your money."