All the rest of the day Steve thought over the contents of that message and the suggestion made by Jarvis. He did not see the stoker, however, until the following morning, just as Steve was coming off duty.
"Morning, Smith," greeted the lad, bending a scrutinizing gaze on the surly fireman.
"Morning," mumbled the other.
"By the way, old chap; were you ever in Elgin?"
Smith gave the lad a quick, sharp look.
"What are you getting at?"
"Do you know a man named Collins—Gus Collins?" persisted the Iron Boy.
"Co—Co—Collins?"
"Yes, a fellow who was interested in cracking a post-office safe out in Elgin——"
"It's a lie!" exploded the stoker, straightening up suddenly, his face flushing and his features working convulsively.