“That is certainly an idea. You might sell them books relating to the ocean, and works on navigation, and the like—and also maps. It is certainly a wide field,” continued our hero.
The station house was soon reached, and leaving the cabman waiting for them, Frank and Mark went inside, to tell their tale, and get what assistance they could.
CHAPTER XXXI
A CLEVER CAPTURE—CONCLUSION
Less than half an hour later the cab was on its way to the Planters’ House, a well-known hotel in Charleston. It contained Frank and Mark, and two officers of the law who were dressed in plain clothes. The officers had heard the boys’ story and were prepared to do their duty should the man Mark had spoken about prove to be the absconding rascal from Philadelphia.
“But, mind you, there must be no mistake in this affair,” said one of the officers. “It is a serious matter to arrest an innocent man.”
“I know the Jabez Garrison I am after,” answered Frank. “Just let me get one square look at this man here, and I’ll tell you if he is the right fellow or not.”
When the hotel was reached Mark went in first, to make certain that Garrison was not hanging around the lobby or reading room. But as it was after midnight the lower floor of the hotel was practically deserted.
“We want to find Mr. Jabez Garrison,” said Frank, to the clerk.
“No such party stopping here,” was the prompt answer.