He was evidently quite convinced that he was really on the trail of the thief, and all Steve's ridicule failed to move him from that conviction.

He was too anxious to begin the search for the "confidence-man" to do justice to the rest of his supper, and when, at last, they were once more outside the building he gazed up and down the Row eagerly and was disappointed to find that neither his quarry nor anyone else was visible in the half-darkness.

As they passed Torrence Hall, however, an open window on the first floor sent a flood of light across the walk, and Tom, crossing the narrow strip of turf that divided building from pavement, raised himself on his tiptoes and looked into the room.

The next instant a face appeared with disconcerting suddenness within a foot of his own and the occupant of the room, who had been reclining on the window-seat, enquiring abruptly: "Well, fresh, what do you want ?" "N-Nothing, thanks," stammered Tom, withdrawing quickly.
"Keep your head out of my window then," was the indignant response, "or I'll come out there and teach you manners!" Tom hurried away into the friendly darkness and joined Steve, who was chuckling audibly.
"Did you find him, Tom ?" "No." And then, as Steve continued to be amused, Tom said with spirit; "I should think you'd be enough interested to help a fellow instead of giggling like a silly goat!" "Oh, I'm not a Sherlock Holmes," replied Steve airily.

"Detecting isn't in my line." "I should think you'd want to get your bag back, though.