"
"Then go to the store at once. Ask, but without attracting any
attention, if Luke came back there after leaving you. Then ask
Mr. Meade, the storekeeper, whether he noticed you put back your
pocketbook."
"But I know I did."
"Then it will be well to say nothing about it, at least publicly.
If you find that Luke's excuse was false, and that he did not go
back, go at once to his boarding place, and ask him whether he saw
you drop the pocketbook. You might have dropped it and he picked
it up."
"Suppose he says no?"
"Then we must watch whether he seems flush of money for the next
few days."
This seemed to Harry good advice. He retraced his steps to the
store, carefully looking for the lost pocketbook. But of course,
it was not to be seen and he entered the store troubled and out of
spirits.
"I thought you went home, Harry," said Frank Heath.
"You see I am here again," said our hero.
"Time to shut up shop," said Mr. Meade, the storekeeper. "You boys
will have to adjourn till to-morrow."
"Where's Luke Harrison?" asked Frank Heath.
"Didn't he go out with you?"
"Yes; but he left me some time ago. He came back here, didn't he?"
"No; he hasn't been here since."
"He spoke of coming," said Harry. "He wanted me to join that
sleighing party."
"Good night, boys," said the storekeeper, significantly.
They took the hint and went out. Their way lay in different
directions, and they parted company.
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