"When did you learn of this, Fred?" asked Dale.
"Just a few minutes ago. Mumps told me, and Paxton told Frank Barringer. Ritter, Coulter and Paxton went to the office to report. Mumps said Ritter was as mad as hops. Ritter's watch was only a silver affair, but he says it came down to him from his grandfather and was valuable as an heirloom."
"Well, this is certainly getting interesting," was Pepper's comment. "If that thief isn't caught he'll end up by cleaning out the whole school."
"After this, I am going to hide my valuables," said Dale.
"Ditto here," cried Stuffer. "I haven't got much, but what I own I want to keep."
A little later the cadets filed out of the dormitory, leaving Jack, Pepper and Andy together.
"Well, I am mighty glad I didn't accuse Ritter and Coulter," said the young major. "This puts something of a different light on the subject."
"But who is guilty, do you think?" asked Andy.
"I don't know what to think," answered the young major.
"This will drive Captain Putnam wild," came from Pepper. And he was right; the master of the Hall was worried as he had never been worried before. He made a rigid investigation, but it brought nothing new to light. According to the stories told by Ritter, Coulter and Paxton the articles stolen had been taken from their bureau-drawers, and that was all those cadets could tell about the mysterious affair.