proved to be an Irishman of about fifty, who when he was not acting as
a judge did jobs of mason work in the vicinity.

"Sure, an' it's the boldest robbery we have had in this neighborhood
for years," said the squire. "The back door av the shop was broken open
and many valuables extracted from the premises."

"Have you any idea when the robbery was committed?" asked Captain
Putnam.

"Not exactly Mr. Fairchild was away all day yesterday and did not get
home until nearly twelve o'clock at night."

"Didn't he leave anybody else to run the shop?"

"He has nobody. When he goes away he has to lock up."

All were ushered into the squire's parlor, where he had a flat-top desk
and several office chairs. The squire had heard of Captain Putnam, and
knew of the fame of the academy, and he respected the Hall owner
accordingly.

"I will be after hearing all the particulars of this case," said he, as
he sat down to his desk.

In a long, rambling story Aaron Fairchild told how he had come home
from a visit to the city late the night before. He had some goods for
his shop with him and on going to the place had found the back door
broken in and everything in the shop in confusion. Jewelry and other
things to the value of a hundred and sixty dollars had been taken, and