careful how he handled them, as though fearful lest he might toss
the silver watch out, to land on the floor with disastrous results.

As he picked up such various articles of wearing apparel as used
by an athlete in training, Leon continued to air his grievances, as
though he meant Hugh to understand how utterly impossible it was for
him to have intended any mean thing by breaking open a locker other
than his own:

"It was silly of me getting those numbers mixed in my head, of course;
but then a figure nine is only a six turned upside down, you see. I
was so worked up over missing my clock that I just couldn't think
straight at all. Well, it isn't under that jersey, anyhow; nor
yet covered by those trunks. I remember now I pushed it away back,
so I couldn't drag it out. There's an old sweater I use when I'm
overheated, and afraid of taking cold; mebbe now it's under hat."

Reaching further in, Leon caught hold of the article in question, and
carefully drew it toward him. Then he as cautiously lifted the torn
sweater; and, as Thad turned the glow of the flash-light directly
into the box they all saw the watch reposing in the corner, just as
the boy had left it.

Leon made a clutch for his property. He over did the matter, Hugh
thought, acting in an exuberant fashion.

"Oh! mebbe I'm not joyful over getting my hands on you again, you
poor old time-keeper!" he exclaimed, as he snatched the silver watch
up and shook it, as though any fault could be attached to the article
in question. "A fine chase you've given me to-night; and playing