“Would he be likely to leave the bag around the hotel carelessly, if it contained anything so important?” asked Tom.
“He might have been willing to do so before he knew we were about here,” replied the charter-man.
“But even when he knows we’re here the fellow doesn’t seem anxious about the matter.”
“Because the clerk is behind the desk, where he can see everything,” hinted Mr. Seaton.
“Yet, for all Dalton knows, the clerk might leave the room for a minute and give us our chance.”
“I’ve an idea,” muttered Mr. Seaton, rising so quickly that Tom stood up with him. “You keep the best eye possible over the rascal. Don’t go in to breakfast unless he goes. Never mind whether I come to breakfast or not.”
“All right, sir,” nodded Halstead.
As Powell Seaton crossed the porch without even looking in Dalton’s direction, the young motor boat captain also stepped outside, going over to Hank. 237
“Watch that fellow, Hank,” whispered Tom. “Don’t let him get away from you.”
“Not if I have to steal his cigarettes,” promised Butts, with vim.