Apparently aware that they were under scrutiny, Paper Bag Eddie and his company glanced briefly at the Cubs and sauntered on down the street. A few doors farther on they entered the Green Parrot Cafe.
“Let’s get on home,” Brad urged.
Dan, however, had another idea.
“Brad, I’m dead certain that sailor with Paper Bag Eddie is the one who was operating the motorboat when it crashed into Mr. Holloway’s sailboat,” he insisted. “I’d like to try to pin it on him.”
“And end up in plenty of trouble. You know Mr. Holloway advised that the entire matter be dropped.”
“Sure, I know. But that was mostly because Mr. Manheim is well known at the club. I have a hunch he didn’t know anything about the boat accident. And it may not have been his speed craft either.”
“Even so, I say we’re asking for trouble if we try striking up an acquaintance with that pair!”
“We don’t have to speak to them,” Dan argued. “Why not follow them into the cafe and take a table nearby? We might hear something interesting.”
“W-e-ll,” Brad hesitated, “I suppose it wouldn’t do any harm. Okay.”
Feeling somewhat ill at ease, the two boys entered the Green Parrot. The room was dingy and dimly lighted, its plaster walls streaked with smoke. Only a few customers were visible.