The handkerchief proved to have come from Nina’s pocket, but no one claimed the handbag.

“I have still a fur-lined driving-glove, with a crown on the buttons, a bunch of keys, and a—­something in a jewel case.  Will the owners please prove property and pay expenses?”

Fred put in a claim for the bunch of keys, but an owner was still wanted for the handbag, driving-glove and jewel case, which, on examination, proved to contain a handsome gold watch.

“Someone else must have been spilled out at the corner besides ourselves, I expect,” said Lancy, “and they must have lost these articles.  Perhaps we will find some trace of the owner if we search the handbag when we get home.  Here we are, Miss Gordon, none the worse for your tumble, I hope,” he added, as he drew up to the curb-stone, and Hugh helped her up the steps to the door.  The rest of the party were then left at their respective door-steps, as they drove along towards home.

At Elsie’s request, Dexie followed her into the house, and they were soon searching the contents of the handbag for some clue to its owner, but with little success.  Not so, however, with the watch, for as Lancy touched the spring and caused the case to fly open his exclamation of surprise caused Dexie to look up, and a flush of crimson spread over her face as she read the words that revealed its owner, for engraved on the inside of the case were these words: 

“Presented to Lieutenant Wilbur by his brother officers, in token of distinguished bravery.”

Hugh could not understand the meaning of Dexie’s flushed face, even though he stepped forward and read the inscription over Lancy’s shoulder, for he had never learned just how Dexie had escaped from the vessel, but supposed that Lancy had in some way brought it about.

“One good turn deserves another, and—­gets it this time,” said Lancy, with a meaning smile.  “I fancy that Lieutenant Wilbur would not care to lose this particular watch.”

“Will you send it back to him, Lancy?” said Dexie.

“No, not I; but I will send him word where he will find it.  Do you remember his address?”

“Well, I think I have his card somewhere; but I don’t want to see him, Lancy,” she said, in a low tone.

Hugh heard the whispered conversation, and wondered what connection there could be between Dexie and the lieutenant that caused such a look on her face at the sight of his name.

Dexie left the watch in Lancy’s care and went home, but she was present next evening when the lieutenant called to claim his property; and as he brought with him a letter of introduction from Major Gurney, he was well received, and his pleasant and affable manner won golden opinions from all.

Yet not from all, either, for Hugh McNeil watched him with frowning brows, and he scowled darkly as he observed Dexie and the lieutenant in close conversation in a corner by themselves.