My box was stolen between the hours he was seen going and returning, and it was so small as to be easily carried in the way described.

This seemed pretty clear circumstantial evidence.

I accused the man and brought the witnesses to the Commandant.

The man was examined, and confessed having gone to the river close to my house to bathe; but said he had gone no farther, having climbed up a cocoa-nut tree and brought home two nuts, which he had covered over, _because he was ashamed to be seen carrying them!_ This explanation was thought satisfactory, and he was acquitted.

I lost my cash and my box, a seal I much valued, with other small articles, and all my keys-the severest loss by far.