the world for the thief to throw the empty pocketbook into your
tool-box as the car was passing him in the street. The box isn't
kept locked, is it?"

"No; not always."

"Then that's how it happened. The thief is around Chelton--that's
evident. In order to divert suspicion he--"

"Or she," interrupted Jack with a smile.

"Yes, or she, if you like--he or she opened the box when your car
was halted momentarily in the street, and dropped the wallet in.
It's as simple as can be."

"But not so simple to find the thief," retorted Jack.

"Indeed not," agreed Ed with a rueful smile. "But I'll give the
police this clue. It's a good one, I should think."

"And if they want to arrest me--why, I'll be at home," declared Cora
with a laugh. "Would you like to see Walter?"

"No; you have told me all that is necessary."

Cora and Jack made a quick run back home, while Ed, went to
communicate to the police the latest clue.

That evening, when Jack, Cora and the three college lads went down
to the post-office, Cora happened to look in the window of the