“I won’t keep you long, Reff.  I want to ask you about the man you met in Cedarville?  What’s his name?”

Reff Ritter stopped short and showed that the question took him by surprise.

“Man I met?” he stammered.

“Yes, the man you met at the new buildings in Cedarville.”

“Who said I met any one?”

“We saw you, I and Major Ruddy and Pep Ditmore.”

“Huh!  Been spying on me, eh?” And Reff Ritter’s face took on its old look of sourness.

“It was an accident.  But I want to know who that man was.”

“What for?”

“I have my reasons.”

“I don’t see that I am called on to answer your questions, Andy Snow.  If I want to meet anybody I’ll do it.”

“Then you refuse to tell me who the man was?”

“Tell me why you want to know and maybe I’ll tell you who he is,” answered the bully, after studying the acrobatic youth’s face for a moment.

“Very well.  Do you remember the time the horse ran away with me and left me unconscious on the road?”

“I heard about it.”

“Well, just before I was knocked unconscious I saw a man on the road ahead of me.”

“Well?”

“I think it was the man you met this afternoon.”

“That man?” cried the bully, and now he showed a sudden interest.

“Yes, and that is why I want to know his name, and where he comes from.”

“You must be mistaken, Snow.  That man doesn’t belong around here.”

“Where is he from?”

“I think he comes from Boston, but I am not sure.”

“And his name?”

“Why do you ask these questions?  Do you think he had something to do with your being thrown from the horse?”

“No, not with being thrown from the horse, Reff.  But, if you’ll remember, when I came to my senses my watch was gone, also my stickpin and eight dollars in bills.”

“And you think that man took them?” questioned Reff Ritter, in a voice that sounded strained.

“I won’t say that until I know more about the man.  If you say he is a good, honest man, why then I’ll be bound to believe I am mistaken.”

“I don’t know much about him, but I don’t think he is a thief,” answered the bully, slowly.  “His name is Smith, Cameron Smith, and he is a commercial traveler.  I only met him twice, once about two weeks ago and to-day.  He knows my—­er—­my uncle, and is doing some business for him, and he wanted to see me about it, that’s all.  But I am sure you are mistaken about his robbing you.”

“I didn’t say he robbed me,—­in fact, I am not positive he was the man I saw on the road.”

“I don’t think he was near Cedarville at the time.  He spends most of his time around Boston.  Is that all you want to know?  If it is, I’m going to lie down and try to get some sleep,” went on Reff Ritter, passing his hand over his forehead.

“Yes, that’s all,” answered Andy, shortly.  “Much obliged.”  And he left the dormitory.