the constable and the postmaster that Ralph was right,
and an extra party was organized to hunt for Dock Brady.

The information was gained before nightfall that Brady and a man named
Gaston had been stopping at a second-rate hotel in Eastport for two days.
They had settled their bills the evening before and left, stating that they
were going to Chambersburgh on the night boat.

On the following morning the captain of the night boat was seen, and he
emphatically denied that he had had any such passengers as Dock Brady and
Gaston. He had had only seven men on board, and all of these had been known
to him.

"I guess Ralph Nelson tells the truth," said Jack Rodman. "Those men did
the job, and now the old Harry only knows where they have gone to."

"But the boy?" said Squire Paget. "Who was the boy that helped them if it
wasn't Ralph Nelson?"

"I give it up, squire," said the constable; and so did many others.

There being nothing else to do, Ralph went back to his work of distributing
circulars for Mr. Dunham. He spent three days at this, and was then called
upon to stand an investigation before the United States postal authorities.

This investigation lasted one whole day, and every one who was interested
in the case was present.

Ralph answered all questions clearly and truthfully, and told all he knew
concerning Dock Brady.

Whether the Government detectives found any more clews at the post office
was not made public, but the next day Ralph was informed that his bail was
withdrawn, and that he was absolutely free.

The reader can well imagine his joy, and also the joy of his mother, who
shed tears when the news was brought to her.

"Thank Heaven for it, Ralph!" she said, as she kissed him. "Oh, what a
relief now it is all over."

"But it is not over," he said, sturdily. "I want to find out the secret of
that valise, and how my pocketknife got into the office, and I shall not
rest until I have found out."

Although the boy and his fond parent did not know it, this remark was
overheard by a detective who had been sent to the Nelson homestead to spy
upon the boy. He at once left the place and informed his superior that the
lad was innocent, and to watch further in that direction would be merely a
waste of time.

But although the majority of the people in Westville and vicinity believed
Ralph innocent, there were some who thought him guilty, and among these was
Squire Paget.

And thinking him guilty, the