It was not there.

Nor did a thorough search reveal it anywhere in the room.

Yet no one could have stolen it, for when he had gone down to the office Crailey had remained on this floor.

Mamie had come within a few minutes after Crailey went out, and during his conversation with her the office-door had been open; no one could have passed without being seen.

Also, a thief would have taken other things as well as the uniform; and surely Crailey must have heard; Crailey would--Crailey--! Then Tom remembered the figure in the long cloak and the military cap, and, with a sick heart, began to understand.