Part 42 (1/2)
”Really, now, that suggestion strikes me favorably. I believe I will follow your advice. When shall you return to your Western home?”
”In about a fortnight I think.”
”You must go to the theater tonight. There is a good play on at the Madison Square.”
”I don't mind. When can I get ticket?”
”I'll go and secure some. It is only a few blocks away.”
”Do so. How much are the tickets?”
”A dollar and a half or two dollars each.”
”Here are five dollars, if it won't trouble you too much.”
”My dear friend, I meant to pay for the tickets. However, I will pay next time. If you will remain here I will be back in twenty minutes.”
Louis Wheeler left the hotel with the five dollars tucked away in his vest pocket.
He had no sooner disappeared than Rodney went forward and occupied his seat.
”Excuse me, sir,” he said to the miner, ”but do you know much of the man who has just left you?”
”I only met him here. He seems a good natured fellow. What of him?”
”He said he was a man of independent means.”
”Isn't he?”
”He is a thief and an adventurer.”
The miner was instantly on the alert.
”How do you know this?” he asked.
”Because he stole a box of jewelry from me in the cars some months ago.”
”Did you get it again?”
”Yes; he left the train, but I followed him up and reclaimed the jewelry.”
”Was it of much value?”
”They were family jewels, and were worth over a thousand dollars.”
”Do you think he wants to bunco me?”
”I have no doubt of it.”
”I have given him money to buy theater tickets. Do you think he will come back?”