"But he ought to be on the steamer's list of passengers."
"That's true. I can't understand it."
For a long time the Rover boys talked the matter over. Had Tom really gone to Alaska?
"We had better make some inquiries at the dock from which that steamer sailed," said Dick. "Maybe we'll meet somebody who will remember Tom."
The next morning found them at the dock, Jim going with them. All sorts of men and boys were interviewed, and at last they met a taxicab driver who had carried Tom from the railroad station. He recognized the photograph at once.
"Yes, I took him from the depot to the shipping office, and then carried his handbag to the steamer," said the taxicab driver. "He was a fine young man," he added.
"Maybe he tipped you pretty good," ventured Dick, with a faint smile.
"He sure did;—gave me fare and a dollar over."
"And you are dead sure he got on the steamer?" insisted Sam.
"I am. He was almost the last passenger on board and I am sure he didn't come ashore again."