If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods. Unto the judges - See Clarke's note on Exodus 21:6.
Related Commentaries of Exodus 22:8
Exodus 22:8
8 If the thief be not found, then the master of the house shall be brought unto the judges, to see whether he have put his hand unto his neighbour's goods.