nt about the loss of this money was naturally greater in
the house where it had taken place than anywhere else, and as the boys
talked about it at supper the servants heard of it. It was evident that
though no accusation might be made, suspicion would be very likely to
fall upon them, and as they were anxious to have the matter sifted, the
butler was deputed to report the whole affair to the doctor. So when
prayers were over Dr Jolliffe told all present to remain where they
were, and then calling up Crawley, he asked him whether the account he
had heard was correct.

"I did not mean to report it, sir," said Crawley, "but it is true that
four pounds in gold and twelve shillings in silver were taken from the
tin box belonging to the cricket and football club this afternoon."

"When did you last see this money?"

"At about a quarter to three, sir. As it was a half-holiday I thought I
would get all my papers ready against the cricket and football meeting
this evening. I set to work at that at a little after two; it did not
take me very long, as they were all ready before, and only wanted
arranging, and a little memorandum written out of what I wanted to say,
for fear I should forget anything. When I had done I counted out the
money in hand, and put it in a purse which I have always used for the
subscriptions; there was the sum I have mentioned and a five-pound note.
I put the purse back in the box, locked it, placed the keys in my coat-
pocket, changed my clothes, and went out to play at football. I heard
the clock strike three just after I had begun to play."

"And when did you miss the money."

"At the meeting, when I opened the box."

"You had not done so again till then after locking it up, when you went
out?"

"No, sir."

"You are sure?"

"Positive, sir."

"And the five-pound note was not taken?"

"No, sir; that was left."

"Was it in the same compartment of the purse as the gold and silver?"

"No, sir; but it could be seen if the purse was opened, and why it was
not taken too I cannot imagine."

"That is not so difficult of explanation. But now I must ask you a
painful question; but it is your bounden duty to answer it without
reserve. Have you any suspicions as to who may have taken it?"

"None whatever, sir. I am almost certain that there was not a boy in
the house. I was the last to remain in. Indeed I found all but three
in the football field, and I know where they were, for I saw the