"Maybe we ought to put Tom back."
"We ought to, and yet I'm afraid if we do it will cause more trouble.
But I've a notion to," and they discussed the matter in all its phases.
Meanwhile Tom went on seeking clews, wandering off by himself, lonely at times, but never giving up.
"I'll clear my name yet!" he said to himself, fiercely.
CHAPTER XVII
THE EMPTY BOTTLE
"Great Caesar's grandmother, Jack, why didn't you think of that before?"
"I don't know, Bert. It just seemed to come to me as I sat here thinking about it."
"Well, it's a good thing you think once in a while."
"Why don't you help out then, if you think I don't do enough of it?" asked Jack rather snappily.