e, as I thought, and, directly
afterward, saw Hector Roscoe hurrying up the stairs to the third floor.
I was going up there myself, and followed him. Five minutes later
he came out of his room, looking nervous and excited. I didn't think
anything of it at the time, but I now think that he entered your room,
took the wallet, and then carried it up to his own chamber and secreted
it."

"Hector Roscoe!" repeated Mr. Smith, in amazement. "I wouldn't have
supposed that he was a thief."

"Nor I; and perhaps he isn't. It might be well, however, to search his
room."

"I will!" answered Socrates, with eagerness, "Come up, James, and you,
Mrs. Smith, come up, too!"

The trio went upstairs, and entered poor Hector's room. It was not
unoccupied, for Ben Platt and Wilkins were there. They anticipated a
visit, and awaited it with curious interest. They rose to their feet
when the distinguished visitors arrived.

"Business of importance brings us here," said Socrates. "Platt and
Wilkins, you may leave the room."

The boys exchanged glances, and obeyed.

"Wilkins," said Ben, when they were in the corridor, "it is just as I
thought. Jim has set a trap for Roscoe."

"He may get caught himself," said Wilkins. "I ain't oversqueamish, but
that is too confounded mean! Of course you'll tell all you know?"

"Yes; and I fancy it will rather surprise Mr. Jim. I wish they had let
us stay in there."

Meanwhile, Jim skillfully directed the search.

"He may have put it under the mattress," suggested Jim.

Socrates darted to the bed, and lifted up the mattress, but no wallet
revealed itself to his searching eyes.

"No; it is not here!" he said, in a tone of disappointment; "the boy may
have it about him. I will send for him."

"Wait a moment, Uncle Socrates," said Jim; "there is a pair of pants
which I recognize as his."

Mr. Smith immediately thrust his hand into one of the pockets and drew
out the wallet!

"Here it is!" he exclaimed, joyfully. "Here it is!"

"Then Roscoe is a thief! I wouldn't have thought it!" said Jim.

"Nor I. I thought the boy was of too good family to stoop to such a
thing. But now I remember, Mr. Allan Roscoe told me he was only adopted
by his brother. He is, perhaps, the son of a criminal."

"Very likely!" answered Jim, who was glad to believe anything derogatory
to Hector.

"What are you going to do about it, uncle?"

"I shall bring the matter before the school. I will disgrace the boy
publicly,