It was Frank who caught his hand first, but Sam and Mark were not much slower.
“We knew it!” they cried.
“Nobody in this crowd would play a joke on the rest!” added Sam.
“But who did do it?” queried Frank. “It wasn’t Hockley, for he was dosed, too.”
“Don’t you be so sure about Hockley,” put in Darry. “I was thinking it over at the table. He had pitch in his shoes, but he didn’t put those shoes on, and I’ll wager he gets the pitch out easily.”
“Then you think it was he after all?” queried Mark.
“I don’t know what to think. But he’ll bear watching, according to my notion.”
“Let’s search his room,” suggested Frank. “We may find some evidence against him.”
This was considered a good idea and Frank went out, to come back a minute later and report the coast clear. Then they hurried to Hockley’s stateroom, and began a quick search around.
“Whoop, I’ve got it!” ejaculated Mark, drawing a can from a corner under the berth. “Pitch, as sure as you are born!”