“He must have been pining for adventure, sir, to carry that much around with him in currency,” observed Frank. The colonel’s mouth twitched slightly. “But if the thieves are unknown, where does Randall come in? He was in barracks last night, as would be easy to prove.” “That is just the--ah--difficulty,” observed the colonel heavily, fixing his eye on Randall. “According to the inspector’s report, Mr. Randall and his roommate were asleep at the proper time. But when I asked Mr. Randall whether he had been to the village last night, he admitted it. Is not that correct, sir?” “Of course, Colonel Gunn,” said the Southerner proudly. “There was a dummy in my bed to fool the inspector. But when you asked, of course, I would not lie about it, sir.” “A highly proper--ah--sentiment, Mr. Randall,” said the colonel. He stopped Merry with uplifted hand. “One moment, sir! Mr. Randall was seen to enter the hotel in question, and to leave, each time by the back door, and in a stealthy manner. When I asked him for an explanation, he--ah--asked that you be sent for.” Merry looked at the Southerner in astonishment. Randall stood erect, a dark flush in his cheeks, his eyes desperate. But he had regained his self-control. “I was frightened, Chip,” he said quietly. “Of course, you know nothing about it, only the evidence seemed so terribly circumstantial that you were the first person I thought of.” “I’m glad you did think of me, old man,” said Chip, smiling. “But let’s get this business straightened out. May I ask who observed Randall’s entry and departure, Colonel Gunn?” “Mr. Dobbs himself,” stated the colonel, referring to his paper. “But allow me to--ah--mention that Mr. Randall makes no denial, and no explanation.” Frank glanced again at Randall, in perplexity. “What’s the answer, old man?” “I received a letter from my cousin, Edward Carson, the son of Colonel Carson, of Carsonville,” said Randall. “He asked me to meet him at the hotel on important business. I was unable to get away before taps, so I left my room by means of a rope, and entered the hotel quietly, hoping to avoid observation.” “Ah, Mr. Randall,” wheezed the colonel, “and what, may I inquire, was the nature of the--ah--important business to which your cousin referred?” “I must refuse to answer, sir,” and Randall suddenly went white. “I give you my word, sir, that it was entirely personal and private. More than that, I cannot say.” A little silence ensued. Frank studied Randall, but could find no trace of guilt in the dark, handsome features. Nor did he believe the Southerner guilty. “You know nothing of the theft, of course?” “Nothing, Chip.” “I must say, colonel,” exclaimed Frank, turning to the principal, “that I do not think Randall at all guilty. He could have easily lied out of the whole thing, and the inspector’s report would have borne him out. The fact that he refused to do so must surely count in his favor?”