"Hello, Budge Rankin!" exclaimed Jack, as he saw the queer, bright lad who had lived near him in Denton, and for whom Jack had secured the place of second janitor at the school. "So you think you know what the trouble is?"
"Betcherlife," replied Budge, who had a habit of running his words together, a habit which his gum-chewing did not tend to relieve.
"What is it?"
"Accused you takin' that bell," went on Budge more slowly. "Hu!
Wanterbe a detective?"
"How did you know it?" asked Jack, a little surprised at Budge's remark.
"Easy. Heard 'em talk. Transom open," was his answer.
"What do you mean about me turning detective?"
"Lookerthis," Budge said, quickly holding out a small object to Jack.
"Found it in Grimm's room, 'sIsweptout."
"You found it in Mr. Grimm's room as you swept it out?" inquired
Jack, not certain he had heard aright.
"'Smatter!" exclaimed Budge, that being his short-hand way of stating that was what was the matter.