"What, won't you come after him?"
"Nary a step. I allow I know a thief when I see one."
"Do you mean that for me?"
"I surtainly do, suh."
"Well, you're a big fool, that's all I have to say," cried Dick, and, watching his chance, he got out of the planter's clutches and ran after Dan Baxter.
The chase led into the worst portion of the town, but Dick did not give up until a good hour had passed. Then he returned to the houseboat much downcast, and told his story.
"And the worst of it is, my watch is missing," he announced.
"Perhaps you dropped it during the struggle," suggested Songbird.
"Either that, or Dan Baxter got his fist on it while we were talking.
He is bad enough now to do almost anything."
"Better go back and see if you can't find the watch," said Tom. "I'll go with you."