His two companions listened.
“We want to catch that fellow this time,” Clay said softly. “You fellows just keep right on talking and I’ll slip back to the back door. The steps are moving slowly back to the after deck. As soon as they come close to the door, I’ll throw it open and grab him, then you all come at once and the job is done.”
His two companions nodded assent to the plan and began talking loudly to each other, while Clay crept back to the door at the stern.
The soft muffled foot-steps came slowly nearer until they reached the narrow deck aft.
Clay flung the door open and with a shout sprung upon the dim figure outside. Alex and Case, with Captain Joe, came dashing out to his assistance. But there was no need of help. The stranger offered no resistance, instead he chuckled.
“Is this the way you always greet visitors?” he asked. “Gee, but you are a hospitable lot.”
“Come on down into the cabin where we can see who you are,” said Clay sternly, still retaining his grip on the stranger’s arm.
The stranger followed him willingly down into the cabin light, where Clay let go his arm as though the coat sleeves was red hot, while his chums howled at him with delight.
“Mr. Clay, but you’re a great detective,” Alex jaunted. “You go out to catch a thief and bring in a friend.”
But his jeers fell on deaf ears, for Clay was gazing at a slender, bright-eyed boy with abashment and recognition. “Why, it’s Ike Levis,” he cried.