"I will transfer the baggage myself and take a look at the other stateroom," rejoined Robert.
Our hero and the clerk went below, and Robert took his bag to stateroom No. 50, which was better than the other. Mr. Porter sat outside of the door reading a newspaper, and the clerk introduced the pair. The stranger proved to be a Chicago hardware merchant on his way into Michigan on a business trip.
"I am glad to know you," he said, smiling pleasantly. "I hate to travel alone when there is the chance of an agreeable companion."
"Thank you! I think I can say the same," replied Robert, with a smile.
The boy retired at ten o'clock, and Mr. Porter with him. Soon Robert was sound asleep.
The Germans had gone to bed early, and both were in the land of dreams and snoring lustily when Jean Le Fevre and Hammerditch stole up to the door of stateroom 45.
"This is the one," whispered the French Canadian. "I was lucky to get the pincers, hey?"
"Hush, make no noise, the boy may be awake," said the Englishman, warningly.
While Hammerditch stood on guard Le Fevre inserted a small pincers in the key-hole of the door and managed to turn the key, which was stuck in from the other side.