"But I do object!" burst out Andy Cross, fiercely, and tried to wrench himself loose. He had almost succeeded when Robert came to Charles Shotmore's assistance. "I'll help you hold him, sir," he said quietly, but firmly. "Let go, boy!" fumed the sharper. "Let go, or it will be the worse for you!" "I'll not let go." Robert turned to the other man. "Do you know this fellow, sir?" "Perhaps I had better ask you that question," returned Charles Shotmore, cautiously. "I was at the post-office a while ago and he wanted me to identify him. He said his name was Charles Shotmore." "Why, that is my name." "He had a money order he wished to have cashed." "My money order, I'll wager a new hat. You villain. I have caught you just in time," and Charles Shotmore clutched Cross tighter than before. It must be confessed that the sharper was nonplussed, for he had not expected to have Shotmore follow him up thus rapidly. "This is--er--a--a great mistake," he stammered. "I guess it was a mistake--for you," said Shotmore grimly. "If I--I have the letter, I took it by mistake," went on Andy Cross. "Sometimes I have violent headaches, and during those periods I do the most extraordinary things." "Indeed!" sneered Charles Shotmore. "Never mind the headaches, just you hand over the money order." As he spoke he slipped his hand into Cross' breast pocket and drew forth the letter. "Mine, sure enough!" he ejaculated. "Is the money order in it?" questioned Robert. "Yes. My boy, you have done me a valuable service." "I am glad of it." "I really believe I ought to have this rascal arrested." "I think you are justified, Mr. Shotmore. It's bad policy to have such dishonest persons running around loose." "Arrest me?" gasped Andy Cross. "If you have me arrested you will make the greatest mistake of your lives." "I'll risk it," said Charles Shotmore. He started to look around for an officer. As he did so, Andy Cross gave a pull and freed himself from both Shotmore and Robert. Then he dashed into the street, among the cars and trucks going in both directions. "Hi! stop him!" cried Shotmore. "Police! Police!" Robert at once took up the chase. Soon Shotmore joined in. But Andy Cross was fleet of foot, and fear lent speed to his feet. By the time the other side of the crowded thoroughfare was gained he was nowhere to be seen. "He's disappeared," panted Robert, coming to a halt at the corner. "So I see," returned Charles Shotmore. "He could run, couldn't he?" "Well, he had something to run for." "That's right." Shotmore indulged in a low laugh. "I'm glad I got my letter and money order away from him before he started." "Do you know him?" "No more than that he boarded at the same house with me. I fancy he is an all-round sharper, from what the servant girl said of him." "Then it's a pity he escaped." "I may meet him again some day. But I owe you something for your aid." "You are welcome to whatever I have done for you."