particular attention to it, if any boy stopped over, hoping I would come
in."

"Nothing doing?"

"It's kind of queer, but do you know, for a wonder not a single fellow
has been at our house this blessed day. Generally half a dozen call to
see me, you know, to borrow books from my library, or talk over matters
connected with our school society. It just looks as if everything wanted
to mix me up worse than ever, and make me think--"

"Never mind what it makes you think," interrupted Paul, quickly,
squeezing the arm of his chum affectionately; "let's get down to facts.
You know I promised that I'd find out the truth about this matter; and
while up to now I've given it mighty little attention, don't think that
I've forgotten, Jack."

"I don't; only it bothers me to understand how you can ever expect to
find out who's taking my old coins, if I've made a mess of it; and living
in the house at that!" rejoined the other, with bewilderment plainly
visible on his face.

"Leave that to me. I repeat my promise, and if everything else fails why,
what's going to hinder my hiding up there behind some of your stuff,
where I can see for myself what happens?"

"Oh!" exclaimed Jack, "that would be a clever idea; but much as I want to
know the truth, I'm afraid to!"

"Well, you've got to get over that feeling. No matter what happens it's