Mr. Proctor was called in and the colonel and Don saw he could play the part well. He looked anything but a detective, with his expressionless face, soft brown eyes and sleek hair. He did look every inch a soft-spoken, efficient butler. He was informed of the necessary details and ordered to either get the cup or at least keep it from going to Canada. Even before Don and the colonel left the station he was on his way to Gates' place to apply, with references in his pocket that had served him more than once in similar cases.
"Well, what do you think of my plan?" the colonel asked his young companion on the way back to school in the cab.
"I think it should be just the thing to clear up all this business," Don replied. "We know that the cup is in the house and the detective should be able to get hold of it. Once we get a good look at the thing we should be able to clear up all the mystery surrounding it and then George Long can be wholly cleared."
"Yes, that's what I think," Colonel Morrell nodded. "When I do announce the story of George's innocence to the world I don't want any loose ends. I want to be able to tell the whole story. I think the detective is clever enough to get the cup and then we'll be at the end of our problem."
Some of the cadets were standing around the door when the cab stopped and they were surprised to see Don alight and hold the door open for the colonel, who got out and paid the driver. The colonel went on inside and Don lingered to talk to some of his friends. He came in for a lot of good-natured bantering for going riding with the colonel.
"It beats me," said Lieutenant Thompson, with mock seriousness, "how some fellows do get along in this world. Here the rest of us go out and drill all afternoon, while Don goes riding in a taxi with the colonel! Some fellows have all the luck!"
The colonel kept Don fully informed of the progress of events at the Gates home. Mr. Proctor had become butler at the house and in two days' time reported the arrival of the friend from Canada. As yet the detective had not been able to find the missing trophy, but he believed that it would soon be forthcoming.
The next report came in one evening while Don and Jim were making out a report in the colonel's office. The telephone rang out and the colonel answered it. They heard him say: "What? That's fine. Get hold of it in some way, and bring it right up to the school when you do. That's good news. All right, and best of luck."