"I've got our auto outside—we can go in that, and you may as well bring your baggage along," continued the Seattle young man. "If you have to remain in town, I want you to stay at our house."
"Thanks, that's kind of you," answered Dick.
Jim led the way outside, to where stood a handsome six-cylinder touring car. "I don't know when the steamers sail, but we can soon find out," he said, and directed the chauffeur where to go.
They were soon passing through the streets of Seattle, a well-built up city where much business is done. As many of my young readers must know, Seattle is located on Puget Sound, one of the great natural gateways to the Pacific Ocean. Just south of it is Tacoma, also a city of importance.
The ride to the first of the shipping offices did not take long, and going inside Dick made some inquiries of the clerk at the desk.
"Don't remember any such man," said the clerk.
"When is your next sailing?"
"Day after to-morrow. Want to book for the passage?"
"Perhaps. I don't know yet."
"Better make up your mind pretty quick. We have only a few berths left," went on the clerk.