Page:The Rover Boys at School.djvu/197

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THE BULLY LEAVES PUTNAM HALL.
179

And Tom told his story from beginning to end, just as I have set it down in the foregoing pages.

"I am certain this man is some relative of Baxter," he concluded. "And I am equally certain he is not an honest fellow."

"Humph!" Captain Putnam arose and began to pace the heavily carpeted floor. "Rover, this is a serious charge."

"I understand that, sir. But you can't blame us boys for trying to get back Dick's watch and trying to—to——"

"Bring the guilty party to justice? Certainly not! But it would seem the man with a scar is not the thief."

"No, but he is the boon companion of the thief."

"That is true—unless there is some grave mistake. But you are right about one thing—the man is really Baxter's father, and his name is Arnold Baxter."

"And why does he travel around under the name of Nolly?"

"That is the mystery. I met Mr. Baxter only once—when he placed his son in my care. At that time I was certain he was wearing a wig and a false mustache. The scar was on his chin, although he tried to hide it. I have never seen him since. When any money is due from him