Robert had been to the post-office a number of times for Mr. Gray, so he made his way there after breakfast without difficulty.

He found the money-order department somewhat crowded, and had to take his place at the end of a line numbering a dozen persons or more.

While he was moving toward the window his attention was attracted to a loudly-dressed individual, who came in and glanced around as if looking for somebody he knew.

The man singled out Robert and came up to him.

"Are you acquainted here, young man?" he asked, in a low tone, so that those standing around might not hear.

"What do you mean?" asked the youth.

He was positive he had never seen the loudly-dressed individual before.

"I mean do they know you at yonder window?"

"One of the clerks knows me."

[Pg 151]

"Then I wish you would do me a favor. My name is Charles Shotmore. I come from Lexington. I received a money order yesterday from my aunt, with whom I reside, and I want to get the order cashed."

"Well?"

"Won't you identify me? Of course, it's a mere matter of form, but it places one in a regular hole if one is not known," went on the man glibly. "You know they are very particular just at present, although they didn't used to be."

"But I don't know you," said Robert, with considerable surprise.

"I have just told you my name—Charles Shotmore, of Lexington. My aunt's name is Caroline Shotmore. And your name is——?" The man paused, expecting Robert to fill in the blank.

But the youth had seen enough of city life to make him shy of strangers, and he did not mention his name.

"Never mind about my name," he said coldly.

"Won't you identify me?"

"How can I when I do not know you."

"I have just told you my name. Isn't that sufficient?"

"Why don't you tell them the same thing at the window?"

[Pg 152]

"Because they are too particular."

"I don't think they are."

"Then you won't do me the favor?" And the loudly-dressed individual frowned darkly.

"I cannot, conscientiously."

"Humph! it seems to me you are mighty particular."

"And you are very forward," retorted Robert, and turned his back on the fellow. The man started to say more, but suddenly turned and walked to the corner of the room.

Robert had no difficulty in getting his money orders cashed.

"For yourself?" said the clerk, with a smile.

"Yes."

"You're in luck."

"I've got to use most of the money," answered the boy, and left the window.

A hundred and fifty dollars was quite a sum, even for Robert to handle, and he placed the amount in the breast pocket of his coat.

The flashily-dressed man saw the youth stow the bank bills away, and his eyes glistened greedily.

He was a sharper by the name of Andy Cross, and it is doubtful if he had ever done an honest day's work in his life.

[Pg 153]

The money order he carried was one belonging to a man who had been stopping at the same boarding place at which Andy Cross had put up.

The order had come in a letter the day before, and Cross was anxious to get it cashed before Charles Shotmore should become aware of his loss.

"I've a good mind to follow that boy and see if I can't get hold of that money," said Cross to himself.

As Robert went out of the post-office he came behind him.

Not far away was a drug store, where several directories lay on a stand for the use of the public.

Robert stepped into the drug store to look for Herman Wenrich's name in the directory, and Andy Cross took a stand outside where he might watch the boy.

While the sharper was waiting, he felt himself touched on the arm, and wheeling about, found himself confronted by the man to whom the stolen money order belonged.

"Mr. Smith, I wish to speak to you," said Charles Shotmore, somewhat excitedly. He did not know Cross' real name, for he had never heard it.

"What do you want?" demanded Andy Cross,[Pg 154] as coolly as he could, although he was much disconcerted.

"I—I—that is, I believe you have a letter belonging to me."

"A letter belonging to you?"

"Yes."

"I have no such letter, Mr. Shotmore. What makes you think I have?"

"The servant at the boarding house says a letter came yesterday for me, and that she saw you pick it up from the hall rack."

"She is mistaken."

"She says she is positive, and—and she says your record is none of the best."

"Sir, do you mean to insult me!" demanded Cross, but his face turned pale with sudden fear.

"The girl comes from the South End, and she says you are known by the name of Cross. She is positive you took my letter, and I want it."

"Preposterous! Why should............