"Very suspicious. A gentleman occupying an outside stateroom has had his room entered and robbed." "Is that true?" asked Dean in excitement. "Yes, he made a great fuss about it I saw him going out with the boat detective, but I don't think they found out anything." Instantly Dean's mind reverted to the scene at the theater, and the loss of a pocket-book by one of the patrons of Niblo's. Was it possible that Mr. Kirby could be connected with both robberies? It really seemed that thefts took place wherever he went. "What was taken?" he asked earnestly. "A gold watch. The gentleman meant it for his daughter. I think it was bought at Tiffany's in New York." "I was at a theater last evening," said Dean, "and as we were coming out a man ahead of us called out that he had been robbed of his pocket-book." "Who do you mean by _us_—yourself and your employer?" "No. A boy was with me—Guy Gladstone." "Is he with you here?" "No, he has gone out West to hunt Indians." Dan, the news-agent, laughed. "He'll be coming back soon without having seen an Indian, I have no doubt. I say, Dean, isn't it rather remarkable that there are robberies wherever you go?" "Yes, it is singular," said Dean in a musing tone. "It really looks suspicious," continued Dan. "However, you are my friend and I won't give you away." "No, don't!" said Dean, accepting the joke in good humor. Dean walked away, plunged in thought. Again he went outside, and walked round to an unfrequented part of the steamer. Suddenly he saw a man in front of him draw something from his pocket, and with a quick movement throw it far out upon the water. It was light enough to see that it was a white pasteboard box of small size. Rather surprised, Dean scanned the person who had done this, and to his further astonishment recognized him as Mr. Kirby, his employer. Turning quickly, Peter Kirby in his turn saw Dean's eyes fixed upon him, and he became irritated and alarmed. "What are you out here for?" he demanded harshly. "Why, is there any harm in being out here?" asked Dean surprised. Kirby saw that he had made a false move, and that this unreasonable taking to task of Dean was likely to excite the boy's suspicions. "No," he answered, calming down, "I don't know that there is any harm in being out here, but you might be imprudent and endanger your safety." "How, Mr. Kirby?" "I was once on board a steamer like this, when a boy about your age came out, got up on the rail, and by a sudden movement of the steamer was thrown into the water. The poor fellow was drowned." "I shan't imitate his example," said Dean. "I think he was very foolish." "Well, I haven't found out yet whether you are prudent or imprudent. I haven't known you long enough. I thought it best to warn you, however." "Thank you, sir." "I am going into the saloon, but if you care to remain outside I have no objection as long as you are careful. I feel a certain responsibility about you, as you are not used to traveling."