"Ay, no doubt."
"A large one?"
"Ay, a goodish big 'un."
"Do you know what was in it?" enquired the detective, with a knowing look.
"I do, for I packed it," replied the captain; "his kit was in it."
"Nothing more?"
"Nothin' as I knows of."
"Well, I'll take these with me just now," said the officer, placing the fork and sugar-tongs in his pocket. "I'm afraid, old man, that your nephew has been up to mischief before he went away. A burglary was committed in the town last night, and this is some of the plate. You'll hear more about it before long, I dare say. Good day to ye."
So saying, the detective walked quickly away, and left the captain in the centre of the garden staring vacantly before him, in speechless amazement.