Probably this stuff was stolen by them all, and then hidden." "And that was why Fits came back here, and was so anxious to get us out," muttered Dave.

"Now, I begin to understand why Fits wanted a hiding place for his plunder even more than for himself.

He wanted to leave the stuff in this lonely cabin, and be sure it was safe, until he could find a place where he could sell it.

Naturally our coming here upset Mr.Fits's plans, and so bothered him into the bargain." While the other boys were busy with examining the other pieces of loot, Dick took many an alternate glance at his mother's fan and his own watch.
"I wish we could get this back to Gridley at once, and turn it over to the rightful owners," sighed Greg.
"That wouldn't be the way to go about it, though," Dick responded.
"Why not ?" "Because stolen property, when recovered, has to be turned over to the police first of all.

Then, if the thief is caught, the police have the loot as evidence against the thief." "How long do the police keep the stuff ?" demanded Greg.
"Until the thief's trial, if there is one, is over." "Then, if Fits is caught, Mr.Dick, it may be a long time before you'll have the right to wear your own watch." "I can wear it now, out here," retorted Prescott, slipping the silver watch into a vest pocket and passing the chain through a buttonhole.
"On second thought, though, I won't.