The money was deposited a couple
of hours sooner than the time you claim to have handed it to the
boy--just after you and the boy arrived."
"You're right," said Coleman, unabashed. "I made a mistake."
"You cannot have the money."
"You have no right to keep it from me," said Coleman, wrathfully.
"Bring the boy to the office and it shall be delivered to him;
then, if he chooses to give it to you, I have nothing to say."
"But I tell you he is not dressed."
"He seems to be," said the clerk, quietly, with a glance at the
door, through which Luke was just entering.
Coleman's countenance changed. He was now puzzled for a moment.
Then a bold plan suggested itself. He would charge Luke with having
stolen the money from him.
CHAPTER XXIX
MR. COLEMAN IS FOILED IN HIS ATTEMPT
Luke looked from Coleman to the clerk in some surprise. He saw from
their looks that they were discussing some matter which concerned
him.
"You left some money in my charge yesterday, Mr. Larkin," said
the clerk.
"Yes."
"Your friend here claims it. Am I to give it to him?"
Luke's eyes lighted up indignantly.
"What does this mean, Mr. Coleman?" he demanded, sternly.
"It means," answered Coleman, throwing off the mask, "that the
money is mine, and that you have no right to it."
If Luke had not witnessed Coleman's search of his pockets during
the night, he would have been very much astonished at this brazen
statement.
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