"I believe what you say, Captain Rover," answered the master of the
Hall, promptly. "There is assuredly some mistake here."
"Give me your coat," said Josiah Cotton to Tom.
The garment was handed over, and after a thorough search two small gold stick pins were found in the middle of the back.
"More o' my goods," cried Aaron Fairchild, triumphantly. "I can prove I had 'em on sale not four days ago."
Sam's coat was then examined, and from one of the sleeves came half a dozen cheap rings and an equally cheap watchchain.
"All mine. The case is as clear as day," said the jeweler. "Josiah, you must lock 'em up."
"0' course I'll lock 'em up," answered the constable.
"Lock us up!" cried Sam, aghast.
"Not much!" came from Tom. "I'm no thief, and I don't propose to go to jail."
"Boys, have you any idea how this jewelry got into your clothes?" asked
Captain Putnam.