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Rh "But I didn't take it. It must have been some one else, if you really were robbed. Why don't you look in some of the other rooms along here?"

"Because I saw you come in here after you were in my room, and had your hand under my pillow."

"Couldn't you be mistaken?"

"Not much. I've been in this business too long. 'Tisn't the first time I've been robbed, but it's the first time I got the thief and I'm goin' to make an example of you."

"You're making a big mistake," Ned said, trying to speak bravely, but the accusation, unjust as it was, coupled with his other misfortunes was almost too much for him.

"I'll take the chances on that. Who are you, anyhow? What's your name, and where'd you come from?"

Ned hesitated. If he gave his real name it might lead to trouble over the stock, in case the proprietor carried out the threat to have him arrested. He was not used to telling untruths and he was afraid if he gave a false name he would soon betray himself. Still it seemed the best thing to do and would harm no one save himself.

"My name's George Anderson," he said boldly. "Where I came from is none of your affair."