howed how much he had the welfare of his chum at
heart.

In the morning Josiah Crabtree went below early. He expected Captain
Putnam back by noon and wished to be prepared to make a proper report to
the head of the school on his arrival.

He had just seated himself at the desk in the office when there came a
knock on the door.

"Come in!" he said shortly, thinking it might be a servant. The newcomer
was Bart Conners.

"Well, Conners, what is it?" demanded the head teacher.

"I want to report that I was robbed last night," answered the captain of
Company B.

"Robbed!" ejaculated Josiah Crabtree. "Did you say robbed?"

"Yes, sir."

"What of? Where? When?" Josiah Crabtree's manner showed his tremendous
excitement.

"Of a diamond stickpin. I left it in one of my scarfs last night and
this morning it was gone. I've looked all over, but I can't find it."

"How late was it when you retired?"

"About ten o'clock."

"And when did you get up?"

"At the first bell."

"And you noticed it was gone at once?"

"Yes, for I wanted to lock it away in my bureau, as Captain Putnam
warned us to do when the others' things were stolen."

"This is strange. Do you suspect anybody?"

At this question Bart Conners shook his head.

"Very well, I will look into the matter immediately after breakfast."

Scarcely had Josiah Crabtree spoken when Dan Baxter appeared at the
door.

"I want to tell you something!" he said sourly. "I want somebody locked
up."

"Locked up?" queried the startled teacher. "What is wrong?" And as he
asked the question Bart Conners looked on with interest.

"I'll tell you!" burst out Dan Baxter. "Last night I went to bed with
eleven dollars in my vest-pocket. This morning every cent of the money
is gone! I want it back! If I don't get it back Captain Putnam has got
to stand the loss, for I won't." And the bully looked more sour than
ever.

"You robbed, too!" cried Josiah Crabtree, faintly. "Will it ever stop?
What is the school coming to?"

"Have you any idea who took the money, Dan?" asked Bart Conners.

"No. I was dead tired and slept like a dog. But I know I had the eleven
dollars when I went to bed, and now it's gone."

"So is my diamond stickpin," and the captain of Company B gave the
particulars.

"Humph!" muttered the bully. "I heard of those other robberies, but I
didn't think I'd get touched as quick as this. If it keeps on the whole
school will be cleaned out."

"Yes, and Captai