But maybe they took them as a joke and hid them." "That is past a joke." Pepper continued to hunt around until it was time to go below.

Then he marched straight to Captain Putnam's private office.
The captain listened with a sinking heart to what the cadet had to say.
It was terrible to think that a thief was at large in the school and could not be caught.
"You are positive that you had the scarfpin when you came home, Ditmore ?" he questioned.
"Yes, sir." "And you put it in the case in the drawer ?" "I did." "Was the drawer locked ?" "Part of the time.

Sometimes I forgot and left the key in the lock." "What sort of a scarfpin was it ?" "It was a sort of a clover effect, of gold, with a ruby and three small diamonds." "And how much was it worth ?" "I believe my mother paid thirty-five dollars for it.

It was a Christmas gift, so I am not sure about the value." "Well, take another look for it and report to me again to-morrow," answered Captain Putnam, with a heavy sigh.

Then, of a sudden, he added: "Do you suspect anybody of taking the scarfpin ?" "I have no clue whatever to the theft," answered Pepper, slowly.
"But have you any suspicions, Ditmore ?" And the master's voice grew a trifle stern.
"Only in a general way." "Please explain yourself." "I--er--I hardly know what to say, sir," stammered Pepper.