“Quite true! Why, he was praising everything English. He evidently wanted to gain my confidence.”
“May I ask where you met him?” asked Carl.
“On the train. He offered me a light. Before I knew it, he was chatting familiarly with me. But his game is spoiled. I will let him know that I see through him and his designs.” “Then my object is accomplished,” said Carl. “Please excuse my want of ceremony.” He turned to leave, but Bedford called him back.
“If you are going to the falls, remain with me,” he said. “We shall enjoy it better in company.”
“With pleasure. Let me introduce myself as Carl Crawford. I am traveling on business and don’t belong to one of the first families.”
“I see you will suit me,” said the Englishman, smiling.
Just then up came Stuyvesant, panting and breathless. “My lord,” he said, “I lost sight of you. If you will allow me I will join you.
“Sir!” said the Englishman, in a freezing voice, “I have not the honor of knowing you.”
“I--I hope I have not offended you, my lord,” he said.
“Sir, I have learned your character from this young man.”
This called the attention of Stuyvesant to Carl. He flushed as he recognized him.
“Mr. Stuyvesant,” said Carl, “I must trouble you to return the valise you took from my stateroom, and the pocketbook which you borrowed. My name is Carl Crawford, and my room is 71.”
Stuyvesant turned away abruptly. He left the valise at the desk, but Carl never recovered his money.
As Carl walked back from the falls he met Mr. Atwood, who was surprised to find his young acquaintance on such intimate terms with Lord Bedford. He was about to pass with a bow, when Carl, who was good-natured, said: “Won’t you join us, Mr. Atwood? If Lord Bedford will permit, I should like to introduce you.”
“Glad to know any friend of yours, Mr. Crawford,” said the Englishman, affably.
“I feel honored by the introduction,” said Atwood, bowing profoundly.
“I hope you are not a friend of Mr.--ah, Mr. Stuyvesant,” said the nobleman, “the person I was talking with this morning. Mr. Crawford tells me he is a--what do you call it?--a confidence man.”
“I have no acquaintance with him, my lord. I saw him just now leaving the hotel.”
“I am afraid he has gone away with my valise and money,” said Carl.