bread," remarked the other, dejectedly.

"Oh! I wouldn't put them away, not just yet, anyhow, Jack."

"But, my goodness, perhaps I'll lose all of my coins if I leave them
around like this any longer on my desk!"

"That's so, but don't you see if you hide them, it shuts us off from ever
learning who is taking them."

"Oh! I see. You mean to catch him at it some time; is that the idea,
Paul?"

"Nothing less. I'll drop in at the old dealer in curios to-morrow, and
find out if he has any that are on this list. Listen, there's somebody at
the door!"

"It's only Carlo, scratching to get in. Open the door, please, Paul."

As the other did so a large Newfoundland dog stalked solemnly in, paid
little heed to either of the occupants of the den, but snuggled down in
a corner, where there was an old cushion, evidently placed there for his
especial use.

"My! he's getting fatter than ever," remarked Paul, surveying the bulging
sides of the shaggy canine, as he curled himself up as if to sleep.

"I believe he is, the scamp. I see it when I put him through his paces
with all the tricks I taught him. He's getting too logy, and has to be
told three times before he'll do a blessed thing. But about this wretched