Soon the taxicab reached the crowded thoroughfares of Philadelphia. They made several turns, crossing the track of the street cars, and finally came to a halt near the river front.
"There's the dock you want," said the chauffeur, pointing with his hand.
"Is that the Princess Lenida?" questioned Dick, quickly, indicating the upper works of a steamer, which could be seen over the dock buildings.
"I think so, sir."
"Come on, then!" cried Tom. "Sam, you pay the fellow, will you?"
"All right!" was the quick reply. And then Tom and Dick hurried after Mr. Bronson, who was already entering the dock building.
Had they been alone the Rovers might have had some difficulty in gaining entrance to the dock; but the detective led the way, showing his badge; and soon the party found themselves at the gang-plank of the steamer. Here Sam rejoined them.
From the purser they learned that Jesse Pelter had engaged stateroom Number 148.
"But I can't say if he is aboard or not," said the steamer official. "You see, we are not to sail until nine o'clock to-morrow morning. There was some talk of sailing this afternoon, but we have been delayed. Do you want me to send to the stateroom for you?"
"Oh, no, we'll go there ourselves," returned the detective, quickly. "I don't want to alarm him if I can help it."