"Got back late, didn't you?" said the bully to Fred.
"Yes," was the short reply.
The bully passed on without another word.
Jack was in a quandary. What should he tell Captain Putnam? If he told of his suspicions concerning Cameron Smith he would drag Reff Ritter into the mix-up.
"I guess I had better wait until something more turns up," he thought. "If I mention this Smith, and he is innocent, both he and Reff will be terribly angry at me."
As briefly as possible the former major of the school battalion related what had occurred at Point View Lodge. Captain Putnam listened with keen interest.
"It is a pity you didn't catch that robber," said he. "For all we know, he may be the fellow who has been stealing here."
"Well, we couldn't get him," answered Jack. "Maybe Constable Plodders will be more successful."
"I hardly think so, Ruddy. So you left Snow and Ditmore at the Lodge?"
"Yes, sir. We thought Mr. Ford would like them to remain until he got there, or sent somebody."