Hodge partly turned toward the door, and Vance ducked down, listening again. It was several moments before he dared peer through the glass again.
Hodge had restored the false bottom to the grip, and was putting back the various articles he had taken out in the first place.
“He’s got the money!” exulted Vance. “He’s a thief! This is Frank Merriwell’s trusted friend! Oh, but I have him foul! I’d better skip, for he’ll be coming out directly.”
Vance slipped down from the chair, and hurried toward his room, taking the chair with him. Safely within his room, he watched and waited till Hodge came out, locked Merriwell’s door and hurried along the corridor.
Dodging out from his room, the spy sped the length of the corridor. Reaching the turn, he peered cautiously round.
The door of Hodge’s room was standing open, and Hodge was within.
Not more than two minutes did Vance have to watch. Hodge came out of his room, carrying his light overcoat and a heavy valise. With these he descended the stairs.
“By heavens! he is going,” muttered Vance. “He has robbed Merriwell, and he is going to skip! What shall I do?”
He thought of stopping Bart and having him arrested, but quickly decided that was not the best course to pursue, as he was not yet certain Bart had really committed robbery. It was possible Hodge had given Merriwell his money to keep, knowing it would be concealed in the bottom of the grip.
Lester’s heart sank at that, for, if it were true, Hodge was simply skipping the company, which was not such a serious crime.