The colonel moved uneasily and opened his eyes. In a few moments he was able to talk.
“Why, what has happened?” he asked drowsily, looking first at the doctor and then at Jack.
“First, will you tell us the last thing you recollect, Colonel?”
“Most assuredly. I came to bed early. Before turning in, I examined certain papers of mine and found they were all in perfect order. This done, I lay down with a book. Suddenly I felt unaccountably drowsy, and—and that’s all. But what has occurred in the meantime? I can tell by your presence in the cabin that something out of the ordinary is up.”
“Will you first oblige me by making sure your papers are safe?” asked the doctor.
“Certainly; they are in this box under my pillow. Ah yes, everything is in perfect order. As you see, this is a combination lock. I could tell in an instant if it had been tampered with.”
“Then, Colonel, I think that you should thank this young man here for saving you from a theft that might have cost you dearly,” said the doctor, indicating Jack.
[CHAPTER XIV—THE WINKING EYE]
“I—I must confess I don’t understand,” said the colonel, looking bewilderedly from one to the other of his two companions.
“Then let me enlighten you.” And, supplemented from time to time by Jack, the doctor gave a concise account of the incidents leading up to the discovery of Jarrold breaking into the colonel’s cabin.