long the
row, now came in.

"What we might, and perhaps ought to do, Major," continued the Colonel,
"is to advise the married officers whose homes have not yet been robbed
that they will do well to send their valuables into town for
safe-keeping at the bank for the present."

"We might, sir," assented Silsbee dryly. "The bank in Clowdry is under
the protection of a police force of less than a dozen men. Shall we
admit, Colonel, that a dozen policemen are safer guardians of property
than our four hundred men of the Regular Army?"

Colonel North looked troubled at that way of putting the matter.

"I believe Mrs. Ruggles and I have some things worth stealing," broke in
Captain Ruggles quietly. "But I feel certain that neither of us would
like to throw any slight over the ability of this battalion to protect
its own property."

"My head isn't very clear yet," admitted Colonel North. "I realize that
I have made a poor suggestion. I don't imagine, Major, that you'd be
much better pleased if I directed you to double the guard."

"I shall obey, of course, Colonel, any orders on that subject that you
may give me," replied Major Silsbee.

"These robberies are likely to continue, at intervals, until the
quarters of all married officers have been entered and despoiled, sir,"
suggested Captain Ruggles, "so it seems to me, sir, that it would be
wise to put each guard on its mettle."

"I am thinking only of protecting you gentlemen who have not yet
sustained losses," continued Colonel North.

"And we appreciate your solicitude greatly, sir," resumed Major
Silsbee.

"I leave it to you, Major."

"Then I shall make it my business, sir, to see to it that the men are
instructed to be more alert than ever in guard duty," replied Silsbee.

The next morning the news, of course, traveled swiftly all through the
garrison.

Hal and Noll had a chance to chat together for a few minutes before the
sounding of the first assembly after breakfast.

"The thieves are around again," mused Noll aloud.

"Yes," nodded Private Hal thoughtfully.

"I wish we might catch the rascals at it."

"You've got time enough to think out your plan, then," laughed Hal, in
mild derision at this suggestion.

"How so?"

"Well, the thieves are not due for a few days yet on their next raid. It
seems to be their plan to leave intervals between their raids."

"If the burglars are scheming further attempts they may vary their plans
by coming again to-ni