Captain Putnam looked very grave when Jack reported the loss of the gold watch and chain.
"You are certain you left them on the stand when you went to sleep?" he questioned.
"Yes, sir. Pepper Ditmore saw me put them there, and Dale Blackmore saw it, too."
"And you have looked everywhere for them?"
"Yes, sir."
"I will go up and look around with you."
"All right, sir. But it will do no good," answered the young major.
"You say that all your roommates deny taking the watch and chain."
"Yes, sir. They say they didn't see the watch at all after we went to bed."
"Major Ruddy, do you suspect anybody of this crime?" demanded the owner of the school, looking Jack full in the face.