The train was only partly full, and Rupert found a seat near the door. He placed the basket on the floor in front of him. Next to him sat a young woman rather showily dressed. Rupert casually took out the purse which had just been given him with the intention of examining the contents, but it occurred to him that he might find a more suitable place than an Elevated car, and he put it back again. His actions had, however, been noticed by the girl at his side. At Fiftieth Street she rose to leave the car, but had not quite reached the door when she put her hand into her pocket and uttered a cry. "I have been robbed," she exclaimed. "Of what have you been robbed?" asked the guard. "Of a purse." "Where were you sitting?" "Just here." "Do you suspect anyone of taking your purse?" "Yes, this boy took it. I am almost sure of it." As she spoke she pointed to Rupert, who flushed with indignation. "It is false," he said. "If you don't believe me," said the girl, "search him. I am sure he has the purse in his pocket." "What kind of a purse was it?" asked a quiet-looking man, sitting on the opposite side. "It was a morocco purse," and the girl described the purse Rupert had in his pocket. "Young man we will have to search you," said the guard. "If you have a purse in your pocket, produce it." Rupert did so mechanically. "There!" said the girl, triumphantly. "Didn't I tell you? Give it to me and I won't say anything more about it." "I can't do that," said Rupert, sturdily, "for it belongs to me." "What barefaced depravity!" groaned a severe-looking old lady opposite. "And so young, too." "You're right, ma'am. It's shocking," said the girl. "I didn't think he'd go to do it, but you can't tell from appearances." "Young man, you'd better give up the purse," said the guard, who was quite deceived by the young woman's assurance. "No, sir!" said Rupert, pale but resolute. "The purse is mine, and I will keep it." "Did you ever hear the like!" said the girl. "You'd better call an officer. I did mean to get off here, but I'll stay till I get my purse." "Stop a minute," said the quiet-looking man opposite. "How much money was there in the purse you say the boy took from you?" "I can't rightly say," repeated the girl, hesitating. "You can give some idea." "Well, there was a little over two dollars in silver change." "My boy," said the new actor in the scene, "will you trust me with the purse while I ascertain whether this young woman is correct." "Yes, sir," answered Rupert, who felt confidence in the good will of his new acquaintance. The lawyer, for he was one, opened the purse, and his eye lighted up, as he looked inside. "Did you say there was as much as five dollars in the purse?" he asked. "No, sir, there wasn't as much as that," answered the girl, positively. The lawyer nodded as if a suspicion were verified. "Then the purse isn't yours," he said.