CHAPTER VI

LINK SMITH’S CONFESSION

For a moment there was a painful pause and the Rover boys looked at each other and at Captain Putnam in perplexity.

“Does this mean that we must go to jail?” demanded Tom.

“I don’t think it will be necessary to hold them,” came from Captain Putnam.  “Squire Haggerty, I presume you know who I am.”

“Yes, sir, Captain Putnam of Putnam Hall.”

“Then you will, of course, let me go on a bail bond for these three pupils of mine.”

“If ye care to do it, captain.”

“Certainly.  I am convinced that they are innocent.  Why, it is preposterous to think that they would break into such a shop and rob it of a hundred and sixty dollars’ worth of goods.  They are rich young gentlemen, of a high-standing family, and each has all the spending money he needs.”

“I see, I see.”

“Well, it ain’t nuthin’ to me what they be, so long as I git my goods back,” growled Aaron Fairchild.  “I ain’t got nuthin’ against ’em personally, especially if they are innocent.”

“I think you will find it to your advantage to let this whole matter rest for the present,” went on Captain Putnam.  “If you make a charge against the boys it will hurt both them and my school.  I feel sure they will not run away, and I will give you my personal word that they shall appear in court whenever wanted.”

“That sounds reasonable,” came from the constable, who was beginning to fear the influence which Captain Putnam and the Rovers might bring to bear on the case.  “It ain’t no nice thing to ruin a boy’s repertation, if he ain’t guilty,” he added.

“That is a sensible speech which does you credit, sir,” said the captain.

“I’d like to find this feller Flapp,” went on Aaron Fairchild.  “How does he look?”

“I have his photograph at the academy.  I will let the constable have that, if he wishes it.”

“That suits me,” returned Josiah Cotton.  “Hang me if I don’t kinder think he must be guilty.  But it puzzles me how them things got in the boys’ uniforms.”

The matter was discussed for fully an hour, and the whole party visited Aaron Fairchild’s shop.  But no clews were brought to light.  Then a wagon was hired to take the captain and the boys to Putnam Hall.  The constable went along, to get the photograph which had been promised.

On the way the three Rovers were unusually silent and but little was said by the master of the school.  Arriving at the Hall the picture was turned over to Josiah Cotton, who soon after departed.  Then the three Rovers were invited into the captain’s private office.  The marching battalion had not yet arrived and was not expected for several hours.

“I’d like to sift this matter out,” said the captain, seating himself at his desk.  “Richard, when did you clean your uniform last?”