"I think he was tall, and dressed in dark clothing."
"I fear this is too general to afford much satisfaction. You see most of the men on board wear dark clothes."
"I see, Mr. Lynx, that I am not likely to recover the watch."
"Well, it is doubtful. Still, if you will give me a description of it I can quietly put it into the hands of the Boston police."
Mr. Margrave, at the suggestion of the detective, wrote out a description before he left the boat, and put it into his hands.
"I will keep my eyes open, Mr. Margrave," continued the detective, "and notice whether I recognize any professional thief among the passengers. I know many of those who operate in New York and Boston, and if I meet one of my old acquaintances shall take the liberty of examining him."
Fortunately for Peter Kirby the scene of his operations had been at the West, and though the detective regarded him with some suspicion, for criminals carry about with them a certain tell-tale look, he did not feel justified in arresting him. If Margrave had been able to identify him as the man who had been loitering near the stateroom, of course that would have simplified matters.
It was not for some time that Dean heard what had happened. On re-entering the saloon, Dan, the young news agent, said to him:
"Where have you been?"
"Outside."