“‘The new South American Commerce Company’s steamer Buenos Aires sails to-morrow for the latter port. She is a fast, capable craft and will make a direct run to the Argentine. The inauguration of this service is a distinct addition to the commercial importance of New Orleans and establishes new trade relations with South America.’”
“Very pretty,” said Ben; “but what does it prove?”
“Yes, I don’t see much of a clew in that,” put in Harry.
But Frank raised his hand to command silence.
“Listen a minute,” he said. “Of course, I may be altogether wrong, but it seems to me that the reason this paragraph is marked is because those fellows meant to sail on this very boat.”
Ben brought his hand down on his knee with a resounding whack.
“By hookey, lad!” he roared; “that’s reason. That’s solid sense and reason.”
“What is the date of that paper?” asked Dr. Perkins.
“Luckily the paragraph was torn off from the top of the page,” said Frank, “and the date of the issue is legible. It is dated yesterday.”
“Then the Buenos Aires sailed this morning?”