I did not put it there, I am certain."

Percival examined the watch, which Jack handed to him, and said:

"Yes, it is a very expensive gold watch, aside from the case,
which is set with diamonds. The watch itself is one of the best
foreign makes, and probably cost anywhere from one to two hundred
dollars for the works alone. Then add the price of the case, and
you have a nice little sum to pay for a little watch such as a
lady carries."

"But how did I get hold of it, Dick? Could I have picked it up at
the fire, and not known anything about it? We were all pretty well
excited, and this might have happened."

"I am sure I don't know, Jack. I did not see you pick it up. You
don't remember anything about it?"

"No, not the first thing, Dick. Well, I shall give it to the doctor
in the morning, and ask him to make enquiries about it. If I picked
it up anywhere it must have been at the fire."

"Yes, I don't know where else you could have done it."

The boys were not required to get up as early as usual the next
morning on account of having been deprived of two or three hours'
sleep to go to the fire, but as soon as they were through breakfast
and drill Jack took the watch he had so singularly found to the
doctor, telling him how he had found it, and asking him to seek
an owner for it.