5:51 train from Elmira."

"Why, that is the train I was on," said Fred in surprise.

"By a curious coincidence," said the detective with a queer smile, "it
was by your train that the burglar probably traveled."

His tone was so significant that Fred asked quickly, "What do you
mean?"

"I mean, my young friend," said the detective, "that you are suspected
to know something of this affair."

"If you are a detective," retorted Fred, "I don think much of your
sharpness. I have never been in Elmira in my life."

"Probably not," said Ferguson, the detective, with a provoking smile.

"I passed through there yesterday on my way from New York. With that
exception, I never saw the place."

"That may be true," said the detective cautiously, "or it may not. I
will take the liberty of examining your luggage to see if I can find
any of the stolen articles."

"You are welcome to do it," said Fred.

"Bring it out then. Where have you put it--under the bed?"

"All the luggage I have is in this bundle," said the train boy. "You
can open that if you think it will do you any good."

"You are sure you have no valise?"

Ferguson, who, like most of his class, was suspicious, peeped under
each bed, but found nothing to reward his search. Somewhat
disappointed, he went to the table and opened the newspaper bundle. He
did so listlessly, not really expecting to find anything, but as he
unrolled Fred's shirt there was a triumphant look in his eyes when he
uncovered the gold watch and chain.

"Just as I thought," he said, with a nod to the clerk.

"What is that?' gasped Fred.

"It appears to be a watch and chain," answered Ferguson coolly.
"Possibly you can tell me how it came there."

"I know nothing about it," said Fred in dire amazement.

"You do not claim it as yours, then?"

"Certainly not. I never saw it before in my life."

"Is this shirt yours?"

"Yes."

"You brought it with you?"

"Yes."

"Let me open the watch. Do you see this inscription?"

Fred and the clerk approached, and on the inside of the case read the
name, "Philo Carver, Elmira, 1865."

"You see? This is one of the articles stolen from Mr. Carver's house
yesterday afternoon. It is a little odd that this young man in whose
bundle I find it cannot explain its presence."

"You may believe me or not," said Fred desperately, "but it is true all
the same. I know nothing of this watch or chain, and I never saw either
before. Can you tell me what oth