One day Hal Pulter, who roomed in Wright Hall, near Dunk and Andy, reported that an expensive reference book had been taken from his room. The usual experience followed, with no result.
Then, about a week later, as Andy was walking past the small building at High and Elm streets, where the University Press had its quarters, he came up behind Mortimer Gaffington, who seemed to be studying a book.
Andy wondered somewhat at Mortimer’s application, particularly as it was snowing at the time. This enabled Andy to come close up behind Gaffington without the latter being aware of it, and, looking over the shoulder of the youth, Andy saw on the fly-leaf of the volume a peculiar ink blot.
At once a flash of recollection came to Andy. Well did he know that ink blot, for he had made it himself.
“Why, that’s Pulter’s book!” he exclaimed, speaking aloud involuntarily. “Where did you get it?”
Mortimer turned quickly and faced Andy.
“What’s that?” he asked, sharply.
“I say that’s Pulter’s book,” Andy went on.
“How do you know?” asked Mortimer.
“Why, by that big ink blot. I made it. Pulter was in our room with the book just before it was stolen, and my fountain pen leaked on it. That sure is Pulter’s book. Where did you get it? That’s the one he made such a fuss about!”