Reuben Hinman groaned, but did not take to sobbing again.
"I woke up to-night, and found it gone," he answered.
"Did you feel or hear anyone prowling about, or searching your clothing ?" "No; if I had discovered anyone robbing me," shivered the peddler, "I would have caught and held on to him.

I have strong hands.
I have strong hands.

Do you see ?" Holding up his wiry, claw-like hands, the old peddler worked the fingers convulsively.
"Then how do you know you were robbed, Mr.Hinman ?" Dick insisted.
"Because the money is gone," replied the old man simply.
"You searched the rags, and the surrounding parts of your wagon ?" Reade asked.
"Young man, you may be sure that I did." "And where were you going when we stopped you ?" "For help." "Whose help ?" Dick inquired.
"I don't know," replied the old man blankly.

"Perhaps to a lawyer." "Lawyers don't recover stolen property," rejoined Reade.
"Perhaps not," assented the peddler.

"The people whom you should see are the local officers," Dick assured the old man.