“It’s a lie!” he said, but his tone was nervous.

“You must submit to a search,” said the officer.

“Do you mean to insult me?” demanded Fairfax, assuming an air of outraged virtue.

“Not at all.  I am only giving you a chance to clear yourself from suspicion.”

“I am a respectable merchant from Portland.  I was never so insulted in my life,” said Fairfax.

“If the charge proves groundless, I will make you an ample apology,” said the officer.

Fairfax was compelled to submit to the search.  He cursed his stupidity in not throwing away the worthless pocketbook, but this he had neglected to do, and, of course, it was very significant evidence against him.  Not only was this found, but the variety of keys already referred to.

“You carry a great many keys,” said the officer.

“It isn’t a crime to carry keys, is it?” demanded Fairfax, sullenly.

“Not if no improper use is made of them.  I suspect that one of them will open the door into the next chamber.”

The keys were tried, and one did open the door.  As the light flashed into the room, Andy got up.

“Come here, young man,” said the officer.  “Can you identify that pocketbook?”

“I can,” said Andy.

“Is it yours?”

“When I went to bed, it was in the pocket of my coat, lying on that chair.”

“It is certainly a wonderful pocketbook.  I have just found it in that gentleman’s pocket.”

Fairfax’s eyes were bent malignantly upon Andy.  A light flashed upon him.  Now, he recognized him.

“I know you,” he said.  “You are the man that stopped Colonel Preston, and tried to rob him.”

“You lie, curse you!” exclaimed Fairfax, springing forward, and trying to throw himself upon Andy.  But he was not quick enough.  The officer had interposed, and seized him by the collar.

“Not so fast, Mr. Marvin, or whatever your name is.  We don’t allow any such games as that.  Sit down till I want you.”

The baffled adventurer was jerked into a chair, from which he continued to eye Andy savagely.

“What’s that affair you were talking about, young man?” asked the officer.

Andy briefly related his adventure with Fairfax on a former occasion.

“I’ll trouble you to come with me, Mr. Marvin, or Fairfax,” said the officer.  “There’s another hotel where lodgings are provided for such as you.”

Resistance was useless, and the detected thief, though his name was registered at two hotels, was compelled to occupy a less agreeable room at the station-house.  How he was detected will be explained in the next chapter.

CHAPTER XXIX A STARTLING EVENT

Sometimes, the mere presence of a person in the room is sufficient to interrupt even sound repose.  At all events, whether it was the entrance of Fairfax, acting in some mysterious way upon Andy, or the light that streamed into the room, his slumber was disturbed, and his eyes opened just as the adventurer was retiring, with his supposed booty.