“It was a mean trick,” said the policeman, who was a favorable specimen of his class.  “Is this the first time you have seen him?”

“Yes.”

“Tell me what you want to do.”

“I want to get my money back.”

“Probably he has spent it.  How long since he robbed you?”

“Three weeks.”

“Not much chance, then.  Probably his pocket’s empty, unless he’s fleeced somebody else in the meantime.  However, it’s as well to see what can be done.  Now, I’ll tell you how to act.  Go up to him boldly, and demand your money.  If he bluffs you off, call me.”

“All right,” said Herbert.

He hastened his step, and, advancing, tapped Greenleaf on the shoulder.

Greenleaf turned.  When he recognized Herbert, he looked surprised and disconcerted.  But he had plenty of assurance, and quickly determined upon his course.  Assuming a stolid look, he said:  “Well, my lad, who are you; and what do you want?”

“You know who I am, well enough,” said Herbert, angrily.

“Do I?  Then I’m uncommonly forgetful.  I haven’t any recollection of your interesting countenance,” he said, with a sneer.

“I suppose you don’t want to remember me, Mr. Greenleaf,” said Herbert.

“Greenleaf!  You are thinking of somebody else.  My name’s Thompson.”

“Your name was Greenleaf when you stopped with me at French’s Hotel,” said Herbert, sturdily.

“You’re crazy, I fancy,” said Greenleaf, shrugging his shoulders.  “I never stopped at the hotel you mention, in my life.”

“Where’s the money you took from me?” demanded Herbert, who felt convinced of Greenleaf’s identity, in spite of his denial.

“What are you talking about?” said Greenleaf, assuming a look of surprise.

“You went off before I was awake, with more than fifty dollars of mine.”

“Do you mean to insult me?” said Greenleaf, drawing himself up.  “I’ve a great mind to knock you over!”

“Mr. Greenleaf,” said Herbert, firmly, “either return my money, or as much as you have got left, or I will call a policeman.”

“Just what I shall do, myself, unless you stop this nonsense,” said Greenleaf, angrily; but not without a sensation of uneasiness, as it struck his mind that Herbert might really intend to do what he had said.

“Once more, will you give up that money?” said Herbert, firmly.

“Stand out of the way,” said Greenleaf, “if you know what is best for yourself!”

He was about to push by, thrusting Herbert roughly out of the way, when our hero turned, and his look summoned the policeman, who hastened to the spot.

“Give this boy his money,” he said, authoritatively.  “I know all about your little game.  It’s up now.  Unless you hand over your plunder, you must go with me.”

Greenleaf changed color, and was evidently alarmed.

“I’ve got nobody’s money, except my own,” he said.