"Well, there is one thing certain, Mr. Gus Collins isn't on this ship," announced the operator, hanging up his headstall. "Funny message to send out. Skippers of these boats have something else to do besides hunting down criminals for the post-office department."
Rush nodded thoughtfully.
Somehow, the description of the man seemed to strike a familiar chord in him. He could not help feeling that he had seen some one who in a measure answered that description.
"Ever seen him, Bob?" questioned the lad.
Jarvis shook his head.
"Wouldn't have recognized him if I had seen him. Say!"
"Well?"
"Maybe the bear is Collins in disguise."
There was a laugh at this. Rush read the message over again.