“It sure does, Jed.  But to think them boys would do sech a terruble deed!”

“Some o’ them boys at boardin’-school spend a fierce sight o’ money.  Some of ’em drink an’ gamble.  They ain’t above gittin’ money by hook or crook, ef they need it.  Yes, they may be guilty,” and the constable swelled out with his own importance.

“Perhaps you better question ’em,” suggested the farmer, timidly.

“Question ’em?” snorted the constable.  “Yes, I will; an’ I’ll do more—­I’ll hold ’em until this mysterious case is cleared up!”

CHAPTER XXVII

LOOKING FOR CLUES

Having sent their message to the Fords, the two cadets turned in the direction where the farmer had said the constable lived.

“I don’t think old Plodders will be able to do a thing,” said Jack.  “He’ll look wise and ask a lot of questions, and that’s all.”

A block had been covered when they saw the farmer and the constable approaching.  On his breast Jed Plodders had pinned a bright, silver star, and he carried a policeman’s club in his hand.

“There they are!” cried Isaac Fasick.

“Is them the cadets?” queried the guardian of the peace.

“That’s two of ’em.  The other two said they’d stay an’ watch the house.”

“Stop!” cried the constable, and pointed his club at the cadets.

“Are you Constable Plodders?” questioned Jack.

“That’s who I be,” was the stern reply.  “Now then, out with it, young fellers.  You broke into Mr. Ford’s house, didn’t you?  Now, don’t try to fool me, fer it won’t wash!  You broke into the house, and Mr. Fasick ketched you at it, didn’t he?” And the constable cast what was meant for an eagle eye on Jack and then on Fred. He had made up his mind that he would surprise both of the boys into a confession.

The two cadets stared in wonder at the constable, and then a smile came into Jack’s face.  The situation was so ludicrous he felt like laughing.  Jed Plodders saw the smile and frowned deeply.

“This ain’t no laughing matter, you scamp!” he bellowed.  “You broke into the Ford house an’ tried to steal the silverware!  Now don’t try to deny it, or it will be the wuss fer you!  You done it now, didn’t you?” And he pointed his club at first one cadet and then the other.

“No, we didn’t do it!” burst out Fred.  “You are a great big chump to think we did!”

“Hi! hi! don’t you talk to me like that!” roared the guardian of the peace.

“Then don’t you accuse us of any crime,” came quickly from Jack.

“Didn’t Mr. Fasick find you at the house?” demanded the constable.

“He did, but we didn’t go there to steal; we went there to see if everything was all right.  He went there for the same purpose.”

“Say, don’t you go for to mix me up in this robbery,” interrupted Isaac Fasick, hastily.  “I didn’t have a thing to do with it.”