"I shall. I have no doubt he is capable of robbing me, and I would rather spend my own money myself." "I'm not afraid of his robbing me," said Charlie. "No, I suppose not; but I wish you would save some of your money, so as to have something worth stealing." "Oh, I'll begin to save sometime." It was perhaps the thought of this conversation that led Robert in the evening after the entertainment was over, or rather after his part of it was over, to walk round to one of the circus wagons, in which, in a small closet, he kept some of his clothing and the whole of his money. As he came up he saw in the darkness the crouching figure of a man trying the lock of his compartment with one of a bunch of keys he held in his hand. CHAPTER XIII. CATCHING A THIEF. "What are you doing here?" demanded Robert, in a quick, imperious tone. The man, like all who are engaged in a disreputable deed, started suddenly and half rose from his crouching position, still holding the keys in his hand. He did not answer immediately, probably because it was rather difficult to decide what to say. "What are you doing here?" demanded Robert, once more. "None of your business!" answered the man, whose temper got the better of his prudence. "I should think it was my business, as you were trying to get at my property." "That's a lie!" said the man, sullenly. As he spoke he stepped out of the wagon, and Robert recognized him as the canvas man, Carden, introduced in the last chapter. "It's the truth," said Robert firmly. "I know you, Carden, and I am not much surprised. It won't do to try it again." "I've a great mind to thrash you for your impudence!" growled Carden. "I can defend myself," returned Robert, coolly, who had plenty of courage. Carden laughed derisively. "What can you do?" he said. "You'd be like a baby in my grasp." "I am not afraid of you," said Robert, with composure. "Don't come around here again." "I shall go where I please," said Carden, with the addition of an oath. "And don't you go to telling tales of me, or I'll wring your neck." Robert did not answer, but when Carden had slunk away, opened the locker himself, and took out a wallet filled with bills. "It is imprudent to leave so much money here," he reflected. "If I hadn't come up just as I did, Carden would have got hold of it. What shall I do with it?" Robert felt that it would not do to carry it round with him, as that would be about as imprudent as to leave it in the locker. He decided after a little reflection upon leaving it with the manager of the circus, in whom he had every confidence, and deservedly. He accordingly sought Mr. Coleman after the entertainment was over. "Well, Robert, what is it?" asked the manager, kindly. "I have a favor to ask of you, sir." "Very well; what is it?" "I came near losing all my savings to-night. Will you take charge of this wallet for me? I don't feel safe with it in my possession." "Certainly, Robert. How much money have you here?"