His eyes were unusually keen, and enabled him after a while to observe some rather remarkable movements on the part of the young man.

Though his eyes were looking elsewhere, Ben could see that his right hand was stealthily insinuating itself into the pocket of the richly-dressed lady at his side.
"Is it possible that he is a pickpocket ?" thought Ben, in amazement.
"So nicely dressed as he is, too!" It did not occur to Ben that he dressed well the better to avert suspicion from his real character.

Besides, a man who lives at other people's expense can afford to dress well.
"What shall I do ?" thought Ben, disturbed in mind.

"Ought I not to warn the lady that she is in danger of losing her money ?" While he was hesitating the deed was accomplished.

A pearl portemonnaie was adroitly drawn from the lady's pocket and transferred to that of the young man.