“Well, it is, mark me. And it was the same thief who stole twenty dollars from me on the cruise. I’m going to try to find out if anybody was seen going to my room when I was out.”
“I stopped in your room on my way to drill to-day thinking to pick you up, but you had gone,” remarked Ralph, quietly.
“Oh, that’s all right, Os. But I’d like to catch the thief, that’s all. And he’ll be found out, mark my words,” and Bollup left.
“This is awful, Os,” said Creelton. “I hope Bollup is mistaken.”
“I hope so, but he seems certain.”
Bollup went about, telling of his loss, and the matter was much talked of by the midshipmen. The idea that there might be a thief among them produced a most uncomfortable feeling.
A couple of days later, at about eleven o’clock in the morning, a letter and a small box were delivered to Ralph. Opening the letter he was delighted to see it was from his Uncle George. It was dated from New York City, and said:
“Dear Nephew Ralph:—
“I am sending you a watch and chain for a Christmas present. I am sending it ahead of time as I am leaving the country to-morrow. Will let you have my address later. I expect to return in seven or eight months. Remember me to your father when you write to him.
“Your affectionate uncle,