The Rover Boys on the River | Page 9

a putty considerable stock of goods as are valuable. Yesterday, or early last night, when he was away, his shop was broken into and robbed."
"And what makes you think the Rovers are the thieves?" asked George Strong.
"We got proof," came doggedly from Aaron Fairchild. "We're certain on it."
By this time, seeing that something was wrong, Captain Putnam came to the scene. In the meantime the battalion was already formed, with Major Colby at the head and Dick in his proper position as captain of Company A.
"I cannot, believe that the Rover Boys are guilty of this robbery," said the master of Putnam Hall after listening to what the newcomers had to say. "What proof have you that they did it?"
"This proof, for one thing," answered Josiah Cotton, and drew from his pocket a memorandum book and the envelope to a letter. In the front of the memorandum book was the name, Richard Rover, and the envelope was addressed likewise.
"The thief dropped that," went on the constable.
"Where did you find these things?"
"On the floor of the shop, in front of the desk."
"Anybody might have dropped them."
"See here, Captain Putnam, do you stand up fer shieldin' a thief?" roared Aaron Fairchild. "To me this hull thing is as plain as the nose on my face."
As Aaron Fairchild's smelling organ was an unusually large one, this caused the master of Putnam Hall to smile. But he immediately grew grave again.
"This is a serious matter, Mr. Fairchild. I do not wish to shield a thief, but at the same time I cannot see one or more of my pupils unjustly treated."
"Are ye afraid to have 'em examined?"
"By no means. I will call them up and you can talk to them. But I advise you to be careful of what you say. The Rover boys come from a family that is rich, and they can make it exceedingly warm for you if you accuse them wrongfully."
"Oh, I know what I'm a-doin' and the constable knows what he's a-doin', too," answered Aaron Fairchild.
George Strong was sent to summon Dick, Tom, and Sam, and soon came up with the three brothers behind him.
"Something is wrong, that is certain," murmured Dick.
"Those men look mad enough to chew us up," answered Tom.
"Now, boys, keep cool," cautioned George Strong. "I think some terrible mistake has been made."
"What's it all about, Mr. Strong?" asked Sam.
"I'll let them explain," returned the head assistant.
Josiah Cotton had heard Captain Putnam's words of caution to Aaron Fairchild, and as he had a great regard for persons who were rich, and did not want to get himself into trouble, he resolved to move with caution.
"I'd like to ask you three young gents a few questions," said he, as the boys came up. "Fust, which one of you is Richard Rover?"
"I am Richard, commonly called Dick," was the ready reply. "This is my brother Tom, and this is Sam."
"Very well. Now then, do you remember visitin' Mr. Fairchild's jewelry an' paint store?" went on the constable.
"Visiting a jewelry and paint store?" repeated Dick. "I do not. What a combination!"
"Perhaps he paints his jewels," put in the fun-loving Tom.
"Don't you git funny with us!" growled Aaron Fairchild. "Let's come to the p'int. My store was robbed, an' I'm thinking you fellers done the deed."
"Robbed!" echoed Sam.
"And you think we did it," put in Dick, indignantly. "I like that!"
"We are not thieves," said Tom. "And you ought to have your head punched for thinking it."
"Boys, keep cool," came from Captain Putnam. "Mr. Cotton, hadn't you better do the talking for Mr. Fairchild?"
"I want 'em searched," burst out Aaron Fairchild. "If they robbed my store they must have put the stuff somewheres."
"What makes you think we robbed you?" asked Dick.
"This," and he was shown the memorandum book and the envelope.
"Humph! I lost that book some weeks ago, when I had my fight with Lew Flapp, Rockley, and the rest of that crowd that were dismissed from the academy."
"And what of the envelope, Richard?" asked Captain Putnam.
"I don't remember anything about that. It probably came on a letter from home and I must have thrown it away."
"The book and the envelope were found on the floor of the shop that was robbed."
"Well, I didn't drop them there."
"And neither did I," came from Tom.
"Nor I," added Sam.
"Are you going to let us search you and your belongings or not?" demanded the constable from White Corners.
"I don't see why you should search us," put in Tom, hotly. "It's an outrage, to my way of thinking."
"You had better let him make a search," came from Captain Putnam. "Then he will see that he has made a mistake."
"All right, search me all you please," said Sam.
"I am of Tom's opinion, that it is an outrage," said Dick. "Nevertheless, he can search me if he wishes."
"Let