He instituted a careful examination, but did not succeed in finding the lost article.
He prized it beyond its actual value, which was considerable, and began to feel alarmed. It occurred to him that he might have been mistaken about leaving it on the table. It might possibly have been dropped upon deck.
Going on deck, he communicated his loss to the crew and requested a general search.
"I think, Captain Brace," said Antonio, officiously, "that I can guess where it is."
"Where?"
"I saw that boy have it," pointing to Charlie.
"It's a lie!" exclaimed Charlie, surprised and indignant.
"We'll see about that," said the captain, with a sneer. "Do you know what he did with it, Antonio?"
"I think he may have hidden it in his chest."