d, almost afraid to voice the thought that flashed before his
mind.

"Yes, a bunch of them have gone in a mighty queer way. Why this morning
there were just fourteen left; but to tell the truth I was afraid to go
up there at supper time when I came in after our last game of ball on the
lot, to see if any more had disappeared."

"Say it plainly, Jack. Some one is taking your old coins, sent by your
uncle, and you're just afraid it's Karl, tempted to get some money in
that way. But where could he sell them, do you think?"

"There's old Doc. Thomes, who keeps stamps and curios for sale. I've seen
some coins in his window often. He would know the value of these, and
perhaps be willing to pay something for them. Oh! it's just awful even to
suspect my brother of being guilty of such a mean thing. I hate myself
for allowing it, and have made up my mind just to hide the rest away, and
never say a word."

"No, I wouldn't do that, Paul. In the first place it isn't fair to Karl."

"Fair? What can you mean? I wouldn't ever say a word to him, never!"

"That's just it, but you would _think_ it always; and if he is innocent,
why you see what a shame that would be. No, you ought to learn the truth,
even though determined to keep your mouth shut afterward. In justice to
Karl, you _must_ know!"

"I believe you are right, old fellow. And I'm going to be guided by what
you say. Come in with me, won't you?" pleaded Jack.

"Yes," answered Paul, promptly. "On condition that you take me up to your
den, where we can talk without being disturbed."

"You have an object in saying that. I believe you want to see for
yourself if any more of my coins have disappeared?" declared the other.

"I acknowledge the corn, for that is just what I wanted to learn, Jack."

"I suppose the sooner I take the bull by the horns, the quicker we can
learn the truth; so come on in," and taking his chum by the arm Jack led
the way boldly up to the door of the Stormways' house.

They managed to pass upstairs to the third floor without attracting any
attention, the family being gathered around a table in the living room,
reading.

No sooner had the lamp been lighted, after the door was closed, than Paul
stepped over to the table desk which he knew so well.

Just as Jack had said, there was a little cedar box standing in plain
view, and the coins it held attracted his eye.

Slowly and deliberately he proceeded to count them, while his chum
awaited the resu