"Well, I'll tell you what I'll do," returned Haywood. "I'll take a third and not a dollar less. Now let us go over the bonds and check them up," he continued. And then followed a rustling of numerous papers.
"Don't you think we have heard enough?" whispered Dick, to the detective.
"All that is necessary, Mr. Rover," was the answer. "Stand close by me," the detective continued, "and be prepared to rush them the instant the door is opened."
Having thus spoken, Mr. Bronson stepped back through the passageway, and knocked sharply on the stateroom door.
"Who's there?" came in nervous tones from Jesse Pelter.
"A telegram for Mr. Pelter!" cried the detective, in a high-pitched, boyish voice.
"Oh!" came from within; and then the key was turned in the lock, and the door was opened several inches.
The next instant the detective threw his weight against the barrier, and forced it back. He leaped into the stateroom, and the three Rover boys followed him.
"Hi, what does this mean?" cried Jesse Pelter, as he was forced backward against a washstand.
"It means that your game is up, Pelter!" cried Tom.