“It’s I, Laura,” answered her brother. “I want to know if you brought my cap and overcoat upstairs last night.”
“Why, no, Dave, I didn’t touch them. What is the matter––can’t you find them?”
“No, and I’ve hunted high and low,” he returned. “I don’t suppose any of the other girls or the doctor touched them?”
“I am quite sure they did not.” Laura came to the door and peeped out at him. “Are you boys all up already?”
“Yes, we went down-stairs a little while ago. We were going out to the barn, and that’s why I wanted my overcoat and cap. They seem to be gone, and I don’t know what to make of it;” and now Dave’s face showed increased anxiety.
“What’s the trouble?” came from Jessie, and then Laura closed the door again. Dave heard some conversation between all of the girls, and then between Laura and Mrs. Renwick. Then his sister came to the door once more.
“None of us touched your cap or overcoat, Dave,” she said. “Isn’t it queer? Do you suppose they have been stolen?”
“I hope not, Laura. I’m going down and see the hotel proprietor about it.”
The proprietor of the hostelry was not on hand, but his son, a young fellow of about Dave’s age, was behind the desk, and he listened with interest 130 to what our hero had to say. Then he, too, instituted a search for the missing things.