"Ain't we going to see Sam?"
"Not to-day."
"But what am I to do?"
"Walk 'round 'till you run across Skip, an' then make friends with the feller what's with him."
"Is Skip here?" Fred asked in surprise.
"Of course, else how could we find the boy? I gave him money last night, an' reckon he come over on the first train."
"Did he say where he'd be?"
"No, but you'll sure run across him. Then hang 'round till it's time to meet me. It don't stand to reason well find out anything to-day, but we'll get our pipes laid."
Bill turned away as if fearing to prolong the interview lest he be seen by the boy whom he fancied knew something about the case, and Fred walked aimlessly to and fro for nearly an hour, when he was accosted by Skip.
"When did you come?" the latter asked, as if in surprise as he glanced meaningly toward a rather disreputable looking boy at his side.