rank
Hamblin.

"No; he is related to the clerk of the Lynch House, and was kind enough
to come up to my room and keep me company."

"Who has the watch?" asked Lawrence, after a pause. "I have," answered
the detective, producing it. Lawrence took it from his hand.

"It is my uncle's watch, sure enough," he said. "I remember it a dozen
years since. He sent to Europe for it."

"His name is in it," said Ferguson. "But for that I might not have
recognized it as one of the articles lost."

"Do you know what was taken besides?"

"Money and securities, I am informed, but to what value I have not
learned."

"You think the boy's room-mate has them in his possession?"

"There seems to be little doubt of it."

"Where do you think he is?"

"On the Canada side, no doubt."

"He went there this morning?"

"Yes."

"I was myself at the Clifton House this morning, and I now remember the
arrival of a man presenting the appearance of this young fellow's
room-mate. He is probably still at the Clifton House."

"Then he is beyond my jurisdiction," said Ferguson.

"Do you remember what luggage he had?" asked Lawrence, turning to Fred.

"He had a small valise, about the size of this," said Fred, his eyes
resting on the satchel which Lawrence had brought from the Clifton, and
thrown down carelessly. "Why," continued Fred, in excitement, "this is
his valise. I recognize it by a dark spot on the side."

"What do you mean?" said Lawrence sharply. "This is my valise."

He took it in his hand, and uttered an ejaculation.

"The boy is right! This is not my valise."

"Do you mean to say this valise belongs to the man who roomed with you
last night?" demanded die detective.

"Yes, I feel sure of it."

"Then--good Heavens!--it no doubt contains the property stolen from my
uncle. Mr. Ferguson, shall we be justified in opening it?"

"I will take the responsibility," said the detective.

He took from his pocket a bent wire, and dexterously inserting it in
the lock opened the valise.

All gathered eagerly about it, anxious to ascertain whether their
suspicions were correct.

There were a few articles of underwear, which the detective took out
hastily and laid upon the bed.

"Ha, here we have it!" he exclaimed triumphantly as he drew out two
long envelopes, such as are employed for bonds and securities. "I will
take the liberty to open them."

One envelope proved to contain two one thousand dollar railroad bonds.
The other