“What’s up, pop?” came in a boyish voice.
“Go and get a policeman. I’ve caught one of those confounded sneak-thieves at last.”
“Is that so, pop! Good for you!”
A freckle-faced boy with red hair came out into the hall, and looked wonderingly at Bob.
“So you’re a sneak-thief, hey?” he said.
“No, I am not,” replied Bob.
“Don’t stand there all night, Jimmy; but do as I told you,” cried the parent.
Jimmy at once disappeared. The heavy-set man stood close to Bob, wearing upon his face a look of great importance.
“You are making a great mistake, sir,” said Bob. “I just came from Cabot’s place, and all I did was to attempt to pass through your hall-way.”
“And pick up anything you could find on the way, I suppose,” was the cold reply.