Mr. Rice had come up and was much pleased to see that Owen had matters in hand.
"You are doing just right," he said. "Keep it up, and you are bound to come out on top."
"Did you arrest Ducrot?"
"No, he got away from us, but not before one of the men blackened one of his eyes and broke his nose for him. You see, I fancy he smelt a mouse, and one night he tried to leave our place on the sly. He took with him a suit of clothing belonging to one man, and some gold belonging to another. The clothes owner went after him and collared him near the river, and they had a free fight. Ducrot had to give up the stuff, and was nearly pounded to death before he escaped to a boat that was leaving. We tried to trace him up, but it did no good."
"Well, I am glad the man gave him a sound beating," answered Owen. "Perhaps it will do him good."
Philip Rice wanted to know what had become of Foxy Hildan, and was told that he had gone away with Ulmer Balasco the night before.
"Balasco said he would be back to-night," said Dale. "But perhaps he won't come."
"He gave me the combination of the safe," said Owen. "I didn't want it, but he insisted that if I was going to run things, I should know about everything."
"Humph! You just keep your eyes open."
"What do you mean?"