"I wonder what could have been his object in representing himself to me as a grain merchant?" said Bob, thoughtfully.
"Oh," answered the drummer, "he probably wanted to strike up an acquaintance which would justify him in borrowing a few dollars of you. I have met plenty of such characters They live by what they can borrow."
When supper was over Bob and the drummer rose together.
"Won't you have a cigar, Mr. Burton?" asked the latter.
"No, thank you; I don't smoke."
"Oh, well, you'll learn after a while. At any rate, sit down and keep me company for a while."
"Thank you, but I shall have to go back to the boat and give Clip a chance to get his supper."
Clip returned from supper at half-past seven, and Bob, feeling wide awake, decided to go on shore again. He did not care to go to the hotel, but took a leisurely walk through the village and beyond. It was an unfortunate walk, for it made him an easy prey to the men who were scheming against him. In a lonely place two men sprang upon him suddenly, and before he could understand what was going on, he was gagged and helpless. In this condition the two men, taking him between them, hurried him to a lonely house at some distance from the road.
Bob Burton was brave, but this sudden and mysterious attack startled and alarmed him not a little. He would have expostulated, but was unable, from being gagged, to utter a word.