The fire was, before long, under control, and, although considerable
damage had been done, the house was saved.

The boys were presently marched back to the camp, and Jack and
Percival sought their tent, tired out and excited.

"Hello! what is this?" exclaimed Jack, as he was undressing, seeing
something drop out of his trousers pocket.

It was a lady's gold watch.




CHAPTER VI

THE MYSTERY OF A GOLD WATCH


"What have you got there, Jack?" asked Percival, seeing Jack stoop
and pick up something.

"A gold watch, a lady's watch, apparently. How did it get in my
pocket? I don't remember picking it up. It is a very handsome one,
and quite expensive I should judge, although I never bought a gold
watch."

"And it dropped out of your pocket?"

"Yes, that is the strangest thing about it. How did it get there?