CHAPTER XVI.
MARK AS A DETECTIVE.
THE adventurer turned swiftly when he heard Mark's startling question.He seemed astounded at the boy's audacity.
"What did you say?" he demanded with hauteur.
"I asked you to return the purse which you took from a young lady in thesecond car back," repeated Mark calmly.
"Boy," said the false minister, "you must be insane or drunk."
"I don't think I am either," returned Mark.
"What do you mean by such nonsense, then? Are you aware that I am aminister of the gospel?"
"Where do you preach?"
"It is of no consequence," said the other loftily. "I am not in habit ofbeing insulted by whipper-snappers like you."
"Are you in the habit of taking young ladies' purses, Mr.----"
"Rev. Mr. Buffington is my name, young man."
"Then, Mr. Buffington, will you answer my question?"
"I shall be tempted to forget my sacred profession and throw you out ofthe car," said the pseudo minister, looking very unclerical as he spoke.
"I have no doubt you would like to do so."
"You ought to be thrashed for your impertinence."
"Suppose you call the conductor and complain of me. You may tell yourstory and I will tell mine."
This suggestion seemed fair enough, but it did not appear to strike theRev. Mr. Buffington favorably.
"I do not care to notice the foolish insolence of a half grown boy," andthe pseudo clergyman, taking a paper from his lap, half turned away fromMark, and began to read, or appeared to do so.
Mark, however, did not propose to be bluffed off in this manner.
"Mr. Buffington," he said resolutely, "I am a boy, but I know what I amabout. You took the young lady's purse. Before you sat down beside hershe had it in her pocket. When you left the car it was gone."
"If I ever get you alone," said Buffington in a low tone of concentratedrage.
"If you do, I hope you won't forget your sacred profession."
"I am a minister, but I am also a gentleman, and I shall resent aninsult."
"Look here," said Mark, getting out of patience, "either you give meback that purse for the young lady or I will call the conductor and laythe matter before him."
"Rev." Mr. Buffington tried to turn Mark from his purpose by threats,but he was evidently alarmed. He was conscious of guilt, and he knew howsuch an appeal would end for him.
Mark saw him waver, and followed up his advantage.
"There was only about five dollars in the purse," he said, "and it won'tpay you to keep it. If you give it up without further trouble I won'texpose you. What do you say?"
Mr. Buffington looked in Mark's resolute face and he saw that he was inserious earnest. He felt that he was in the boy's power, and much as itgalled him, he decided that he must yield.
"It is possible, of course, that the young lady in handling the purse,may have dropped it into my pocket," he said. "I will search for it, andif that is the case it shall be returned."
He thrust his hand into his pocket and drew out the purse.
"I wouldn't have believed it," he murmured. "It is a most extraordinaryincident. Is this the young lady's purse?"
Mark took it, and opening it, saw that it contained three dollars inbills, and a dollar and seventy-five cents in silver.
"Yes, sir," he said; "this answers the description."
"Give it back to the young lady with my compliments," said Buffingtonwith unabashed assurance. "Express my regrets at the unfortunatemistake. I now remember how it occurred. I saw the purse on the floorwhere she had doubtless dropped it, and supposing it to be my own put itinto my pocket. I was so busily engaged, reading the volume of sermonswhich I carry with me that it made little impression on my mind."
"I will tell her what you say, Mr. Buffington," said Mark gravely.
Of course he might have expressed doubt of the accuracy of hiscompanion's statement, but he had accomplished his purpose, and did notcare to humiliate Buffington farther.
"Good morning, young man," said Buffington with Christian forgetfulnessof Mark's errand.
"Good morning, sir."
When Mark had left the car Buffington's face underwent a change. Helooked absolutely ferocious.
"To think I should have been trapped and worsted by a kid!" he said tohimself. "The boy is about as cool and resolute as any I ever saw. Ihope I shall some day have a chance to get even with him."
Mark returned to his own car and paused at Miss Loring's seat.
"Is this your purse?" he asked, holding it up.
"Yes. Oh, where did you get it?"
"From the party who took it."
"Is he on the smoking car still?"
"Yes he is on the smoking car."
"But--didn't he object to surrendering it?"
"He made a decided objection, but I succeeded in convincing him that itwas for his interest to do so."
"You are a remarkable boy," said Florence Loring admiringly.
"Thank you, Miss Loring. You will make me vain if you flatter me."
"But I am quite in earnest. I am now able to return the money you sokindly lent me."
"Are you sure you will not need it?"
"Quite sure."
The hours sped fast. Soon they reached the station where Miss Loringexpected to see her niece. She went to the door of the car, and from theplatform signaled to a child of eight, who returned the greetingjoyfully.
"I was so afraid I should miss you, auntie," said the child.
"I have been on the lookout for you, Gertie. Come in at once."
Of course Mark vacated his seat, and aunt and niece were able to sittogether. The messenger boy secured a seat a little nearer the door. Hefound the journey less interesting now that he was deprived of his faircompanion's company.
As they were leaving the train at the Cleveland station, Florence said,"Gertie, this is Mr. Mason, who has been of great service to me duringthe journey."
Gertie surveyed Mark attentively. She was an irrepressible young lady,given to plain speaking.
"He ain't your beau, is he, Aunt Florence?" she asked.
Florence smiled and blushed.
"No," she answered. "Don't you see he is younger than I am. He is bettersuited to be your beau."
"I've got a beau already," said the child unexpectedly.
"Indeed! That is news. What's his name?"
"Dan Sillis. He is a nice boy."
"How old is he?"
"About fifteen."
"Isn't that too old for you?"
"Oh no. Husbands always are older than their wives."
Both Mark and Florence laughed.
"Don't you think you could make room for another beau?" asked Mark.
"No; but if I get tired of Dan I won't mind taking you," respondedGertie with the most perfect gravity.
"I will remember that. If we should get married your Aunt Florence wouldbe my aunt too."
"Can I do anything for you, Miss Loring?" Mark asked as they reached theexterior of the depot.
"If you would be kind enough to call a cab."
Mark did so, and the two young ladies entered.
"I suppose you will call if you have business with mother," saidFlorence.
"Yes; I shall call to-morrow."
Mark was in doubt where to go, knowing nothing of the hotels inCleveland, but seeing a stage bearing the name "Erie Hotel," decided togo there.
For obvious reasons I have not given the right name of the hotel. Thisname will answer so far as our story goes.
He sprang in with his valise and in a few minutes was set down before acomfortable looking hotel of good size.
He entered, and registering his name was assigned to room 96.
"Will you go up-stairs at once, Mr. Mason?" asked the clerk.
"Yes, sir."
Mark followed the hall boy to a room on the third floor.
"Will dinner be ready soon?" he asked.
"I
t is on the table now, sir."
Mark washed his hands and face, combed his hair, and went down-stairs.He had but one flight to descend, the dining-room being on the secondfloor.
Even if the dinner had been an indifferent one Mark would haveappreciated it, for he was very hungry. When he had satisfied hisappetite he had a chance to look around.
What was his surprise when a little farther down the table, on the sameside, he recognized his acquaintance of the smoking car, Mr.Buffington!