"Yes, so they are," the child said, showing them to Dick. "Thisis certainly the watch you are in search of."

"May I ask you where and how you found it?" asked the detective,still with the accusing air that both Dick and Jack himself resented.

"I found it in my pocket after coming from the fire at Mr. Vander Donk's house last evening or this evening," he said in reply.

"In your pocket? Was not that a singular place to find it? Howdid it get in your pocket?"

"You know as much about that as I do," exclaimed the kid quietly.

"Are you sure you did not put it there yourself?" asked the manin an insinuating manner, which Jack resented.

"Dr. Wise," he said, flushing, "will you tell this person whatI told you when I gave you the watch this afternoon? I am afraidI cannot keep my temper if I talk with him any longer."