This was agreed to, and a little later the Skimmer was on the way to the school.  It was now after eight o’clock and the cadets were hungry.  Andy and Pepper were to have their meals sent to them from the Fasick farmhouse.

Tying up at the boathouse landing, Jack and Fred hurried into the Hall.  As they passed one of the classrooms they came face to face with Reff Ritter.

“Got back late, didn’t you?” said the bully to Fred.

“Yes,” was the short reply.

The bully passed on without another word.

Jack was in a quandary.  What should he tell Captain Putnam?  If he told of his suspicions concerning Cameron Smith he would drag Reff Ritter into the mix-up.

“I guess I had better wait until something more turns up,” he thought.  “If I mention this Smith, and he is innocent, both he and Reff will be terribly angry at me.”

As briefly as possible the former major of the school battalion related what had occurred at Point View Lodge.  Captain Putnam listened with keen interest.

“It is a pity you didn’t catch that robber,” said he.  “For all we know, he may be the fellow who has been stealing here.”

“Well, we couldn’t get him,” answered Jack.  “Maybe Constable Plodders will be more successful.”

“I hardly think so, Ruddy.  So you left Snow and Ditmore at the Lodge?”

“Yes, sir.  We thought Mr. Ford would like them to remain until he got there, or sent somebody.”

“I see.”  Captain Putnam mused for a moment.  “I don’t see that I can do anything.  You had better go and get your supper.  Tell the head waiter I sent you in.”

“Yes, sir,” said Jack, and he and Fred hurried off to the mess-hall.  The waiter was inclined to grumble a little at having to serve them at such a late hour, but, nevertheless, he got them plenty to eat, and they pitched in as only hungry boys can.

On the following morning came word from Cedarville that Mr. Ford had arrived, and Jack and Fred were allowed to take the Skimmer and sail to Point View Lodge.  There they met the gentleman, who was somewhat excited over what had occurred.

“The loss of the silverware is a serious one,” said he.  “The ware came from my wife’s grandfather and she prized it very highly.  I meant to take it to the city with me, but forgot to ship it, and so we placed it in the safe here.  A couple of gold napkin-rings are also gone, and likewise my old gold watch.”

“Mr. Ford, I wish to tell you something in private,” said Jack, and then he took the gentleman aside and related his suspicions concerning Cameron Smith.

“I think this is assuredly worth looking into, Jack,” said Rossmore Ford, slowly.  “I shall put a first-class city detective on this case, and I’ll tell him about this Cameron Smith.  He’ll soon be able to find out who the chap is.  If he is an honest man, well and good.  But if not, we’ll round him up and make him give an account of himself.”