“Where did you find these things?”

“On the floor of the shop, in front of the desk.”

“Anybody might have dropped them.”

“See here, Captain Putnam, do you stand up fer shieldin’ a thief?” roared Aaron Fairchild.  “To me this hull thing is as plain as the nose on my face.”

As Aaron Fairchild’s smelling organ was an unusually large one, this caused the master of Putnam Hall to smile.  But he immediately grew grave again.

“This is a serious matter, Mr. Fairchild.  I do not wish to shield a thief, but at the same time I cannot see one or more of my pupils unjustly treated.”

“Are ye afraid to have ’em examined?”

“By no means.  I will call them up and you can talk to them.  But I advise you to be careful of what you say.  The Rover boys come from a family that is rich, and they can make it exceedingly warm for you if you accuse them wrongfully.”

“Oh, I know what I’m a-doin’ and the constable knows what he’s a-doin’, too,” answered Aaron Fairchild.

George Strong was sent to summon Dick, Tom, and Sam, and soon came up with the three brothers behind him.

“Something is wrong, that is certain,” murmured Dick.

“Those men look mad enough to chew us up,” answered Tom.

“Now, boys, keep cool,” cautioned George Strong.  “I think some terrible mistake has been made.”

“What’s it all about, Mr. Strong?” asked Sam.

“I’ll let them explain,” returned the head assistant.

Josiah Cotton had heard Captain Putnam’s words of caution to Aaron Fairchild, and as he had a great regard for persons who were rich, and did not want to get himself into trouble, he resolved to move with caution.

“I’d like to ask you three young gents a few questions,” said he, as the boys came up.  “Fust, which one of you is Richard Rover?”

“I am Richard, commonly called Dick,” was the ready reply.  “This is my brother Tom, and this is Sam.”

“Very well.  Now then, do you remember visitin’ Mr. Fairchild’s jewelry an’ paint store?” went on the constable.

“Visiting a jewelry and paint store?” repeated Dick.  “I do not.  What a combination!”

“Perhaps he paints his jewels,” put in the fun-loving Tom.

“Don’t you git funny with us!” growled Aaron Fairchild.  “Let’s come to the p’int.  My store was robbed, an’ I’m thinking you fellers done the deed.”

“Robbed!” echoed Sam.

“And you think we did it,” put in Dick, indignantly.  “I like that!”

“We are not thieves,” said Tom.  “And you ought to have your head punched for thinking it.”

“Boys, keep cool,” came from Captain Putnam.  “Mr. Cotton, hadn’t you better do the talking for Mr. Fairchild?”

“I want ’em searched,” burst out Aaron Fairchild.  “If they robbed my store they must have put the stuff somewheres.”

“What makes you think we robbed you?” asked Dick.