“Yes, what is it you overheard out there on the observation platform?” demanded Jack. “You certainly seem excited enough. What’s it all about?”
“Spoiled my nap,” grumbled big Bob. “It better be good or they won’t be able to find you.”
And picking up a pillow he started to belabor his chum with it. Frank laughed and warded him off.
“Take him away,” he said. “He’s a wild man. How can I talk if he smothers me?”
“Sit down, Bob,” Mr. Temple commanded his son. Bob sank back on the couch grumbling.
“Uncle George,” said Frank, assuming a serious manner and lowering his voice, “I know you are puzzled by my request for you to come back here. But I didn’t dare explain out there in the club car. Those men were sitting too close, and I believe they
were watching me. One was, at least. You see, while Jack and Bob were snoozing out on the observation platform, I was awake. And I overheard just enough of the conversation between those two men to understand there was a big plot afoot.”
“Plot?” queried Mr. Temple. “What plot? What are you talking about? Plot against whom?”
“Against the United States,” said Frank. “I tell you I couldn’t hear much. Only a few words here and there reached me. But I gathered there was a plot afoot to smuggle a large number of Chinese coolies into the country, and that these men had a hand in it.”
Mr. Temple leaned forward.