He related also how Jacques had disappeared from the Cave under mysterious circumstances, the theft of the coded message, and finally, of seeing the boy again on the island.
“It gave me a real shock to see him standing there at the window,” he ended the account. “I tried to signal him, but I don’t think he saw me. After awhile, he stepped back out of sight. I figure though that Jabowski is holding him there against his will.”
“You’ve given us some good tips, kid,” the police officer praised Dan. “Maybe we’ll drop around at the island and give it a thorough going over.”
“A raid on the hotel?”
“You might call it that.”
“Whatever you do, don’t arrest any of the Cubs that are camped on the island,” Dan said anxiously.
His remark amused the officer. “You figure we can’t tell a Cub from a crook?” he chuckled.
“I didn’t mean that, sir,” Dan replied, flushing.
“We’ll look out for your friends,” the officer reassured him. “Don’t you worry.”
Orders were given for squad members to contact Mr. Manheim, the island owner, and then to proceed to the old hotel for a search of the premises.