"Where
did you get that valise?"
CHAPTER VII.
THE END OF THE JOURNEY.
Despite the knowledge that he was doing no wrong, Richard's heart sank
when he heard the railroad official call him back.
He did not think how easy it might be to prove himself innocent of all
wrong-doing. It was bad enough to be suspected. Besides, he had not
been the only one to hear the harsh words that had been spoken, and
in a moment a crowd had collected.
"I was in the wreck, and this valise belongs to a friend of mine,"
replied Richard, as soon as he could collect his thoughts.
"What is your name?" asked the official who still held him by the arm.
Richard told him.
"And who was your friend?"
"His name is--is--"
And here, being greatly confused, Richard could not remember the leather
merchant's name.
"Come, answer me," continued the man sharply.
"His name is--is--I've forgotten it!" stammered the boy in confusion.
"Humph! A very plausible excuse I _must_ say," sneered the man.
"It's the truth. I met the gentleman on the train. He introduced
himself, and we had quite a chat. Then he asked me to look after his
baggage while he went into the smoking-car, and while he was gone the
accident happened."
"Where is the man now?" asked the first official.
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