Josiah Cotton had heard Captain Putnam's words of caution to Aaron
Fairchild, and as he had a great regard for persons who were rich, and
did not want to get himself into trouble, he resolved to move with
caution.

"I'd like to ask you three young gents a few questions," said he, as
the boys came up. "Fust, which one of you is Richard Rover?"

"I am Richard, commonly called Dick," was the ready reply. "This is my
brother Tom, and this is Sam."

"Very well. Now then, do you remember visitin' Mr. Fairchild's jewelry
an' paint store?" went on the constable.

"Visiting a jewelry and paint store?" repeated Dick. "I do not. What a
combination!"

"Perhaps he paints his jewels," put in the fun-loving Tom.

"Don't you git funny with us!" growled Aaron Fairchild. "Let's come to
the p'int. My store was robbed, an' I'm thinking you fellers done the
deed."

"Robbed!" echoed Sam.

"And you think we did it," put in Dick, indignantly. "I like that!"

"We are not thieves," said Tom. "And you ought to have your head
punched for thinking it."