Scott turned it over inquiringly. "What's the idea of this?" "A clue," said Pillingshot. "See anything queer about it? See that rummy brown stain on it?" "Yes." "Blood!" snorted Pillingshot. "What's the good of blood? There's been no murder." Pillingshot looked serious. "I never thought of that." "You must think of everything. The worst mistake a detective can make is to get switched off on to another track while he's working on a case. This match is a clue to something else. You can't work on it." "I suppose not," said Pillingshot. "Don't be discouraged. You're doing fine." "I know," said Pillingshot. "I shall find that quid all right." "Nothing like sticking to it." Pillingshot shuffled, then rose to a point of order. "I've been reading those Sherlock Holmes stories," he said, "and Sherlock Holmes always got a fee if he brought a thing off. I think I ought to, too." "Mercenary young brute." "It has been a beastly sweat." "Done you good. Supplied you with a serious interest in life. Well, I expect Evans will give you something--a jewelled snuff-box or something--if you pull the thing off." "_I_ don't." "Well, he'll buy you a tea or something." "He won't. He's not going to break the quid. He's saving up for a camera." "Well, what are you going to do about it?" Pillingshot kicked the leg of the table. "_You_ put me on to the case," he said casually. "What! If you think I'm going to squander----" "I think you ought to let me off fagging for the rest of the term." Scott reflected. "There's something in that. All right." "Thanks." "Don't mention it. You haven't found the quid yet." "I know where it is." "Where?" "Ah!" "Fool," said Scott. * * * * * After breakfast next day Scott was seated in his study when Pillingshot entered. "Here you are," said Pillingshot. He unclasped his right hand and exhibited a sovereign. Scott inspected it. "Is this the one?" he said. "Yes," said Pillingshot. "How do you know?" "It _is_. I've sifted all the evidence." "Who had bagged it?" "I don't want to mention names." "Oh, all right. As he didn't spend any of it, it doesn't much matter. Not that it's much catch having a thief roaming at large about the house. Anyhow, what put you on to him? How did you get on the track? You're a jolly smart kid, young Pillingshot. How did you work it?" "I have my methods," said Pillingshot with dignity. "Buck up. I shall have to be going over to school in a second." "I hardly like to tell you." "Tell me! Dash it all, I put you on to the case. I'm your employer." "You won't touch me up if I tell you?" "I will if you don't." "But not if I do?" "No." "And how about the fee?" "That's all right. Go on."