“No, Colonel. I have always thought that every one connected with this school was honest.”
“It may be the work of some of the hired help,” mused Colonel Colby. “But I hate to think that. Every one who is here came highly recommended.”
“We might make inquiry and see if any strangers were in the school last night during the celebration,” suggested Captain Dale. “There was so much excitement that some one might have slipped in and out without our noticing.”
Finally Colonel Colby told all the cadets to go below for breakfast, dispensing with the early morning drill.
“As soon as you have finished eating I wish each cadet to make a thorough search of his room and make out a written list of everything that is missing and sign the paper. Take careful note of everything when you are making your search, and if you find any clues to the perpetrator of this outrageous affair, let me know. The lists can be left at the office as soon as they are made out.” And then, after a moment of thought, he added: “There will be no session of the school this morning.”
“Shall we notify the Haven Point authorities?” questioned Professor Brice.
“Not at present. I wish to make my own investigation first,” answered the head of the school.
It did not take Jack and his cousins long to swallow their breakfast, and this finished, they hurried back to their rooms and began the search Colonel Colby had advised.
“Well, I’m shy that gold fountain pen Aunt Martha gave me,” announced Jack presently. “I’d forgotten about that because I didn’t usually use it. I use the one mother gave me.”
Outside of this the Rovers could find nothing more missing nor did they locate anything in the way of a clue that might lead to the robber. They sat down and made out their brief lists, signed them, and then walked together down to the office.