Mr. Teak informed him of the robbery. Mr. Chase, leaning against the
doorpost, listened with open mouth and distended eyeballs. Occasional
interjections of pity and surprise attested his interest. The tale
finished, the gentlemen exchanged a significant wink and sighed in
unison.

"And now," said Mr. Teak an hour later, after his wife had retired,
"where is it?"

"Ah, that's the question," said Mr. Chase, roguishly. "I wonder where it
can be?"

"I--I hope it's in a safe place," said Mr. Teak, anxiously. "Where 'ave
you put it?"

"Me?" said Mr. Chase. "Who are you getting at? I ain't put it
anywhere. You know that."

"Don't play the giddy goat," said the other, testily. "Where've you hid
it? Is it safe?"

Mr. Chase leaned back in his chair and, shaking his head at him, smiled
approvingly. "You're a little wonder, that's what you are, Gussie," he
remarked. "No wonder your pore wife is took in so easy."

Mr. Teak sprang up in a fury. "Don't play the fool," he said hoarsely.
"Where's the money? I want it. Now, where've you put it?"

"Go on," said Mr. Chase, with a chuckle. "Go on. Don't mind me. You
ought to be on the stage, Gussie, that's where you ought to be."