"What led you to suspect that the canes might be here?"
"It wouldn't be fair to tell that," laughed the sophomore. "We know they're here all right, and that's enough."
"Would you believe me if I were to say to you that they are not here?"
"Yes, sir, I suppose we should," replied the sophomore dubiously, "but you won't say it."
"Why not, since they are not here?"
"What?" demanded the entire party almost together.
"That is what I said. The canes are not in my house."
"In the barn, then?" said the leader suspiciously.
"No, they are not in the barn, either. There is not a cane on my place except the one I occasionally use myself. If you think that will do—"
"But, Mr. Whitaker, the man was seen when he brought the canes here."