“He’s still asleep! And wh-wh-wh-what do you th-th-think?” “I don’t think,” answered Bob. “Out with it, and don’t drop too many stitches or he will wake up and murder us all before you’ve unburdened yourself of your fearful secret.” “He was all ready to su-su-skip out,” said Tom. “There’s a suit case on the floor by the du-du-door and I’ll bet it’s all packed with our things. And he’s got on a pu-pu-pu-pair of Dan’s trousers!” “How do you know?” asked Nelson. “Saw them; those woolly, grayish, checked ones.” “Sorry to queer your little yarn, Tommy,” said Bob, “but you’re letting your imagination run away with you. Dan wore those trousers to New York yesterday.” “Du-du-du-did he, Nel?” appealed Tom. Nelson nodded. “Well, they look like those. Anyway, I’ll bet he’s got all our money and things in that su-su-su-su-su——” “Suit case, Tommy,” said Nelson. “You’re welcome.” “Well, it won’t do him any good now,” said Bob. “He won’t get it off this boat except over my dead body.” “What became of that cheese and the crackers and things?” asked Tom suddenly. “By Jove, that’s so!” exclaimed Bob. “We haven’t fed!” “Well, we don’t need to eat crackers and cheese unless we want to,” said Nelson. “There’s real grub in the ice box. What do you say, _Chef_? Do we get anything cooked?” “I don’t mind cooking if you’ll stay there and see that he doesn’t jump out and scalp me,” answered Tom. Nelson promised faithfully and presently there was a subdued bustle in the “galley.” Beyond the bolted door all remained as silent as a tomb. The _Vagabond_ and her tows were by this time within sight of the bridge. “Coffee or tea?” asked Tom softly. The verdict was coffee and Tom’s fork got busy in the bottom of a cup with half an egg. “Don’t make such a silly lot of noise,” whispered Nelson. “It isn’t me,” replied Tom, “it’s the egg cackling.” “Where are we, Bob?” asked Nelson. “Just passed the Navy Yard,” was the answer. “Hadn’t you better slow her down a bit?” Nelson followed the suggestion. “We’ll be at the wharf before you get that luncheon ready, Tommy, if you don’t hurry,” said Nelson. Whereupon Tom flew around quite fast for him and the cheering aroma of coffee began to pervade the launch. And with it presently mingled the agreeable odor of corned-beef hash. Suddenly from the other side of the door came the sound of a loud yawn and Tom dropped the spoon from his hand. Nelson got up from the step and stood ready. They listened intently. For a moment silence held. Then came the thud of boots on the floor and the creak of the berth as its occupant sat up. Nelson pointed over his shoulder and Tom streaked to the stairs and warned Bob, returning to take his place at Nelson’s side. Another yawn followed. Then the door was tried. There was a muttered word from beyond it and it creaked as the person in the stateroom put his shoulder against it. Nelson reached down and possessed himself of the biggest wrench in the tool kit. Then——