"There is only one thing to do to call at the principal hotels, and look over the registers. We will go first to the International." "Very well, sir." Ferguson scanned Fred with a smile. "You certainly don't act like one under suspicion," he said. Fred smiled in return. "I find it hard to realize that I am a suspected burglar," he responded. "So do I. Let us hope that you will very soon be cleared from suspicion." The detective and the two boys turned their steps towards the spacious and attractive International. "It seems a little ahead of the Lynch House," said Fred, "but probably the prices at the latter suit my pocketbook better." They stepped on the piazza, and went into the office. Mr. Ferguson opened the hotel register, and among the recent entries found the name of Edmund Lawrence. "Is Mr. Lawrence in?" he asked the clerk. "Yes, sir; he came in from a walk five minutes since." "I will send up my card." The detective wrote on a blank card: OSCAR FERGUSON, DETECTIVE. Important. This was handed to a hall boy, who took it up to Mr. Lawrence's room, and returned with a message that the gentleman was to come up at once. "I think you will have to go with me," said Ferguson to Fred. "It won't do for me to give you a chance to escape." "That is the last thing I have in mind," said the train-boy; "but I shall be glad to see Mr. Lawrence." Edmund Lawrence, a pleasant-looking man of middle age, looked somewhat surprised when turning his eyes toward the door, he saw Ferguson enter, followed by two boys. "You wish to see me on important business?" he said interrogatively. "Yes, sir." "And you are a detective?" "Yes, sir." "I hope that I have not fallen under any suspicion." "Not at all. Have you heard that your uncle--Philo Carver, of Elmira--has been the victim of a burglary?" "No! Tell me about it." The detective told the story, and Mr. Lawrence listened with great interest. "Is any one suspected?" he asked. "A party has been arrested on suspicion," answered the detective. "Indeed! who is it?" "This boy!" answered Ferguson, pointing to Fred. "Impossible!" ejaculated Lawrence, eying Fred with incredulous amazement. CHAPTER XV. MR. PALMER WALKS INTO A TRAP. "Nevertheless it is true. I arrested him at the Lynch House this morning," affirmed the detective. "Do you believe him guilty?" asked Mr. Lawrence, noting with perplexity Fred's open countenance and tranquil manner. "No. Still, circumstances are against him." "Please explain." "I found your uncle's gold watch and chain in his bundle?" "Is it possible?" "It is quite true, Mr. Lawrence," said Fred calmly. "Mr. Ferguson will allow me to say that I was as much surprised as he to find them. The bundle was a small one and only contained a shirt and collar which I bought at Jersey City yesterday morning. I can only say that the watch was not in the bundle then."