"You are mistaken, sir," said Wheeler with brazen hardihood. "That
casket belongs to me."

"Indeed. What does it contain?"

"I fail to see how that is any of your business," returned Wheeler,
determined, if possible, to bluff off his visitors.

"I admire your cheek, sir. I really do. But I am too old a traveler to
be taken in by such tricks. I propose to have that casket."

"Well, sir, you are the most impudent thief and burglar I ever met. You
break into a gentleman's room, and undertake to carry off his private
property. Unless you go out at once, I will have you arrested."

"That you can do very readily, for I have an officer within call."

Louis Wheeler changed color. He began to see that the situation was
getting serious.

"There is a great mistake here," he said.

"I agree with you."

The agent went to the door, and called "Constable Barlow."

The constable promptly presented himself.

"Do you want me, sir?" he asked.