the boys on their services of the night before, and to thank them
personally for what they had done.

The doctor asked him if he had missed a valuable watch, and showed
him the one which Jack had found.

"It does not belong to any of us," said the gentleman.

"I would very much like to have one like it," said Margaret, "but
it does not belong to me. You say it was found last night at our
house?"

"The young gentleman found it in his pocket, but, of course, it
got there by accident. It is very singular."

"We have missed nothing, which is rather singular, seeing that
there were so many strangers at the house. Of course, I do not
include the boys. We would hardly call them strangers, being such
near neighbors, and having the reputation they have, besides doing
such a great service to."

"And the watch does not belong to you?" asked Dr. Wise, who was
growing rather tired of the fulsome praise of the descendant of one
of the oldest and best families in the Hudson valley.

"No, it does not," said Margaret.

"Then I shall have to advertise it. It is very singular. I thought
it might be yours, but this makes it all the more mysterious."