White Corners.

"I don't see why you should search us," put in Tom, hotly. "It's an
outrage, to my way of thinking."

"You had better let him make a search," came from Captain Putnam. "Then
he will see that he has made a mistake."

"All right, search me all you please," said Sam.

"I am of Tom's opinion, that it is an outrage," said Dick.
"Nevertheless, he can search me if he wishes."

"Let us retire to yonder barn, out of the sight of the battalion," said
Captain Putnam.

The constable and Aaron Fairchild were willing, and all walked to the
barn in question.

"You can look at that first," said Dick, and unbuttoning his coat he
took it off and handed it to the constable.

Josiah Cotton dove into one pocket after another, bringing out various
articles which were Dick's private property.

"Any o' these yours?" he asked the jeweler.

"Can't say as they are, Josiah," answered Aaron Fairchild. "Go on
a-huntin'. Maybe somethin' is in the linin'."

"There is!" shouted the constable, running his hand over the padding.
He found a small hole and put in his fingers. "Here ye are!" he
ejaculated, and brought forth two plain gold rings and one set with a
topaz.

"My property!" gasped Aaron Fairchild. "My property and I'll swear to
it! Didn't I tell ye he was a thief?"

CHAPTER V

FOR AND AGAINST

All in the barn gazed in amazement at the three rings which the
constable of White Corners held in his hand.

"I don't know how those rings got into my coat," said Dick, who was the
first to recover from the shock.

"I am certain Dick didn't steal them," put in Tom.

"And so am I," added Sam. "Dick, this is a plot against you."

"It ain't no plot--it's plain facts," came from Aaron Fairchild. "Go on
an' continue the search, Josiah."

"That's what I'm a-doin'," returned the constable.

He felt the coat over carefully and presently brought forth another
ring and a pair of child's bracelets.

"It's as plain as preachin'!" came from the third man, a farmer named
Gassam. "He's the thief, sure."

"I declare upon my honor I am innocent," cried Dick, the hot blood
rushing to his face. He turned to Captain Putnam. "You don't think
I--I--"

"I believe what you say, Captain Rover," answered the master of the
Hall, promptly. "There is assuredly some mistake here."

"Give me your coat," said Josiah Cotton to Tom.

The garment was handed over, and after a thorough search two small gold
stick pins were found in