"Mr. Jack Harkaway and Mr. Richard Harvey, two English gentlemen of means and respectability, residing at the Brevoort House, were charged at the Jefferson Market police court with stealing a wallet containing three thousand dollars in cash and securities, from the person of Mr. Cobb, a well-known member of the Produce Exchange. The money was found on Mr. Harkaway, but Mr. Cobb, feeling assured that there was a mistake somewhere, refused to prosecute and withdrew the charge, whereupon the prisoners were discharged." This was intensely annoying to Jack, because it stabbed his reputation and cast a slur upon his honor. There was no possibility of explaining the matter, and he felt that his character was blackened, though his friends did not attach the importance to the occurrence that he did. The villain, Bambino, had not succeeded in his purpose, which was to put Jack out of the way in a prison, so as to make the coast clear for his noble employer. Yet he had inflicted a wound on a most sensitive mind, and he chuckled inwardly at the chagrin which he knew Harkaway must suffer. With cat-like stealth he watched and waited for an opportunity to deal him another blow. The effect of the publication above referred to was soon apparent. Jack determined to show himself everywhere, for he thought that to hide himself would be to tacitly admit that he was guilty and felt ashamed. Consequently he drove out nearly every day. Mr. Mole, Captain Cannon and Mr. Twinkle were occupied in searching New York and its vicinity for buffalo; but, much to their disappointment, they could not find any. The professor prepared an elaborate report for the club which had sent out the expedition, in which he stated: "After a prolonged investigation, I am inclined to think that the buffalo, like the mastodon and the dodo, is an extinct animal, as I can discover no trace of a living buffalo so far, though I am in hopes that when we visit Long Island, which I am told is wild and savage, we may meet with some specimen of this almost mythical beast." There was going to be a steeple-chase at Jerome Park, and Jack sent Miss Van Hoosen an invitation to ride to the grounds. This led to the first severe mortification he received, after the report in the papers, for Lena refused in the following brief note: "MISS VAN HOOSEN presents her compliments to Mr. Harkaway, and begs to thank him for his invitation, which she is reluctantly compelled to decline." On receiving this, Jack showed it to Harvey. "Look at that, Dick," he exclaimed, "and tell me what is the meaning of it." Harvey read it, and replied, "It is laconic enough, and it means, simply, that the lady will not go." "What would you do, under the circumstances?" "Call upon her and have an explanation." "I shouldn't be surprised, if she has seen that paragraph about Mr. Cobb's money." "More than likely." Jack bit his lips with vexation and his face reddened.