missing. I don't think that the teacher had anything to do with taking
it. They don't have that sort here."

"Possibly not. At the same time, to my mind it is far more reasonable
to suppose that she took it than that Nellie had anything to do with
it," declared Tom, stoutly.

"If the window was closed down, it seems to me that the ring must have
been taken by somebody in the building," pursued Sam, thoughtfully.
"Perhaps one of the hired help did it."

"Maybe." Tom gave a long sigh. "I certainly hope they clear the matter
up before long. I shall be very anxious to hear from the girls about
it."

As the young collegians had received permission to be out after hours,
they did not attempt to take the short cut through The Shallows on
returning to Brill. Instead, they went around by another road, over a
bridge that was perfectly safe.

"It's not so late, after all," remarked Sam, as they entered their
room. "Perhaps I had better, finish that theme."

"Oh, finish it in the morning," returned Tom, with a yawn. "You'll
feel brighter."

"All right," answered Sam, who felt sleepy himself; and a few minutes
later the brothers retired.

The next morning found Sam at work on the theme long before the hour