"You have an object in saying that. I believe you want to see for
yourself if any more of my coins have disappeared?" declared the other.

"I acknowledge the corn, for that is just what I wanted to learn, Jack."

"I suppose the sooner I take the bull by the horns, the quicker we can
learn the truth; so come on in," and taking his chum by the arm Jack led
the way boldly up to the door of the Stormways' house.

They managed to pass upstairs to the third floor without attracting any
attention, the family being gathered around a table in the living room,
reading.

No sooner had the lamp been lighted, after the door was closed, than Paul
stepped over to the table desk which he knew so well.

Just as Jack had said, there was a little cedar box standing in plain
view, and the coins it held attracted his eye.

Slowly and deliberately he proceeded to count them, while his chum
awaited the result with abated breath, and his eyes turned in another
direction.

"Well?" said Jack, hoarsely, when he saw that the other had dropped all
of the coins back, one by one.

"You said there were fourteen left this morning, didn't you, Jack?"

"Yes, and now?"