Phil smiled faintly.
"I am not afraid for myself."
"No, that's your greatest failing. You are not afraid of anything and you take very long chances. I hope you will be more cautious in the future. You must be careful, Phil, and you had better caution your partner, Teddy Tucker. Does he know of this?"
"No, but I intend to tell him. He is more interested in the possibility of recovering his egg than in any personal danger to himself or to me," said the Circus Boy with a short laugh.
"Keep your eyes open, and take care of yourself. If we fail to get a clue by the time we get to Des Moines I shall send to St. Louis for the best detective they have and put him on the case. Perhaps it would be best to do so now."
"I think—" began Phil, when his words were arrested by a loud noise just outside the cabin, on the deck.
Mr. Sparling and Phil started up, for the instant not understanding the meaning of the disturbance.
"Wha—what—" gasped the showman.
Phil ran to the window and looked out.
The deck at that point was deserted. He thought he saw a figure dodge into an entrance near the stern of the boat, and looking forward he discovered another disappearing in that direction.