"What kind of men are Vreeland and Danes, in your opinion, Corporal?"
"Careless and happy-go-lucky, but good-hearted fellows, sir, and likely to be good soldiers when they've been licked into shape."
"But neither of them is inclined to be dishonest or sulky?"
"From what I have seen of Vreeland and Danes, sir, I am inclined to answer with a very positive 'no.'"
Lieutenant Prescott looked thoughtful, remaining silent for some moments, while Corporal Noll Terry stood looking straight ahead.
"Corporal," said the young officer finally, "Mr. Holmes has told me what a very thorough search was made after the alarm had been given. But no sign of the missing money was found. Have you any idea on that head? Can you make even a plausible suggestion as to how the money was taken care of by the thief?"
"I cannot, sir."
"Have you heard any of the men make reasonable suggestions as to what was done with the money?"
"I think I must have heard all the men in the room talking about it at one time or another, Lieutenant, but the men are puzzled. They cannot account for the complete disappearance of the money."
"Are you keeping your eyes and ears open all the time, for any clue in the matter?"