"Higgins!" laughed the lady. "Yes, I did, and he told me that he
had discovered the person who had it."

"This was since the fire?"

"No, the day before."

"And you have not seen him since?"

"No, nor heard from him."

Jack laughed, and told how the detective had tried to get the watch
from him, and how and why Dr. Wise had refused to give it up.

"Higgins always struck me as being a bit too zealous," said the
lady. "I do not wonder that the doctor refused to deliver it after
the man's poor account of you. You seem to be a great favorite
both with the doctor and with the Hilltop boys."

"And deservedly so," echoed Percival. "We won't hear a word against
Jack, and it has not spoiled him either."

"And you know about the watch, too?"

"Yes, being in the tent when it dropped out of Jack's pocket. I
hoped he might keep it, but now-----"

"But now you think that I have a right to it?"