As they arrived at the great bustling dock it was to find that electric lights blazed and stevedores were hustling to finish loading the vessel to the limit, while intending passengers were dodging the rushing trucks or entering through the passenger entrance or hurrying over the gangplank.
It was a scene of considerable commotion on which the two comrades gazed as they paid their driver, and then saw to it that their steamer trunks, bags and smaller packages were started for their stateroom. Then they hurried to board the gray monster that lay alongside the dock almost ready to start for the danger zone, where waiting German undersea vessels lurked, watching for their prey like tigers in the jungle hungry for a meal.
It was just at this moment that Tom caught his companion’s arm in a tense grip, while he hissed in his ear:
“Look at that taxi driving wildly away, will you, Jack? A man thrust his head out, and stared right at us just before the chauffeur started off so furiously. And Jack, I recognized his face! My father had a photograph of Adolph Tuessig which the detective obtained for him somehow or other. Yes, that man in the taxi was the slippery German who robbed my father! And he must know who we are, as well as why we’re starting across to France!”
CHAPTER V
THE SECRET SAILING
Jack showed signs of excitement when his comrade made such a startling announcement. He stared after the departing taxicab and acted as though more than half inclined to dash away in pursuit.
“Oh, what a shame that we have to let him get away in that fashion, Tom!” he exclaimed in a disappointed tone. “Where can that detective be hanging out, not to be able to find the German spy? If only we could have him nabbed, perhaps we might be able to recover that paper.”
“It was out of the question, you see, Jack,” the other told him sadly. “There, the taxi has disappeared now in the ruck of vehicles, all trying to get in and out of the pier here, where everything is being rushed like fury. But even if I had Adolph Tuessig arrested, what charge could I make against him, when we haven’t a shred of real proof that he was the one who entered our house?”
“I guess you’re right there, Tom,” admitted the other dejectedly. “I’m always ready to do things on impulse, but you have a reason back of you every time you act. He’s gone for good now, anyhow, so nothing can be done. But it roils me to think of our seeing him just when— Oh, Tom!”
“What’s struck you now?” demanded the other, seeing Jack’s face lighten up all of a sudden.