"I am of Tom's opinion, that it is an outrage," said Dick.
"Nevertheless, he can search me if he wishes."
"Let us retire to yonder barn, out of the sight of the battalion," said
Captain Putnam.
The constable and Aaron Fairchild were willing, and all walked to the barn in question.
"You can look at that first," said Dick, and unbuttoning his coat he took it off and handed it to the constable.
Josiah Cotton dove into one pocket after another, bringing out various articles which were Dick's private property.
"Any o' these yours?" he asked the jeweler.
"Can't say as they are, Josiah," answered Aaron Fairchild. "Go on a-huntin'. Maybe somethin' is in the linin'."
"There is!" shouted the constable, running his hand over the padding. He found a small hole and put in his fingers. "Here ye are!" he ejaculated, and brought forth two plain gold rings and one set with a topaz.
"My property!" gasped Aaron Fairchild. "My property and I'll swear to it! Didn't I tell ye he was a thief?"