was a stupid country boy who had never heard of pocket-took thieves. I
would like to see a thief that could put his hand in my pocket without
my knowing it. Stupid people are yet to be found, for with all the
reports of thieves in the papers, there are people who allow themselves
to be robbed, but they are generally women. People like me would know a
thief the moment they saw him."

By this time he had reached the store, and wondered what kept the boys
so long within.

"They forgot that I am waiting outside," he said to himself, "and I am
terribly hungry. There is a bakery across the street. I will run over
and buy a roll."

No sooner said than done; he ran across, and the odor of fresh bread,
cakes and pretzels filled the place. He bought a roll, and took a bite
while feeling in his pocket for his purse.

"Oh, it is gone!" he cried, turning pale with distress.

"Put your hand in your other pocket," said the saleswoman. "It may be
there."

This was quickly done, but it was not to be found.

"I don't believe you had any money," said the woman, angrily, "but took
that planning to get the roll without paying for it. I will call a
policeman."

"Oh, please don't!" cried the boy, with tears streaming down his cheeks,