the box in the cabin?" he asked, not considering it prudent to
betray all that he knew.

"No; it was buried in the earth, out in the woods," said Philip.

"That's true," said Temple, with an oath. "It was all the property I
had."

"It's a queer place to keep articles of value," said Harry, looking
steadily at Temple.

"I shall keep my own property where I please," said Temple, doggedly.
"You don't suppose I'd keep it here in this hut. It wouldn't be safe for
twenty-four hours."

"Did you see Philip take it?" continued Harry, assuming, unconsciously,
the tone of a judge or advocate.

"No; but I saw him prowling round near-by, and the earth had been
disturbed. As for the tin box, that was gone, and he stays here till it
is found."

As he spoke he approached Philip, to tie him anew.

"Oh, please don't tie me again, Mr. Temple!" pleaded the terrified boy.
"Indeed, I didn't carry off your tin box. I didn't know you had any."

"Perhaps the box dug itself up and walked off," said Temple, with
withering sarcasm. "You must think I am a fool. Somebody dug it up, and
knows where it is now."

"It wasn't me."

"At any rate, it won't do any harm to tie you up until I find out more
about it."

Temple picked up the rope which Harry had thrown on the floor, and was
about to repeat his work, when Philip exclaimed, partly from the
instinct of self-preservation, partly to gratify his mean spite against
Harry:

"I shouldn't wonder if Harry Gilbert carried it off himself. He was
prowling about the wood yesterday."

Harry could hardly believe his ears. This boy who accused him was the
one he had just released from his bonds.

He looked at Philip, his face expressing the contempt he felt.

"I suppose this is to pay me for untying you?" he said.

"I can't help it; I am sure you did it," persisted Philip, thinking what
a fine thing it would be for Harry to change places with him. "I am
rich, and I have no need to steal. You are poor, and, I dare say, would
like to get hold of Mr. Temple's bonds."

Temple paused a moment, and then said:

"The boy may be right. I'll tie both of you. One of you knows something
about it, or I'm mistaken."

Philip's face fell. He had hoped to get free himself. It would be some
satisfaction for him to see the boy he hated in the same plight, but
still he would rather go free.

"Tie him first," he said.

It occurred to him that while Harry was being tied he might slip away.

"I know my