Unaware that Ross was plotting revenge, Dan continued to practice his swimming faithfully at the “Y” pool.
Between times, he slaved on the coded message left by Jacques. But try as he would, he could not decipher it.
“When it comes to solving a puzzle, I’m a dud,” Dan remarked one afternoon as he and Brad lounged in the cave. “And that reminds me—we’ve heard nothing more about Paper Bag Eddie or his friend Fagan.”
“You know, that fellow’s hook-up with a man of Eddie’s shady reputation makes me wonder if he could have had any part in the fur theft,” Brad said thoughtfully. “I’ve not seen a word in the paper lately about any hauls by river pirates.”
“Neither have I, Brad. That robbery was pulled just about the time of night Mr. Holloway’s boat was hit.”
“Sure, that’s what I’ve been thinking, Dan. Why not drop around and talk to Hank Hawkins? He may have heard of this bird Fagan.”
Having nothing more pressing to do, Dan agreed to the proposal.
The boys found the warehouseman at the dock chatting with his friend, Joe Matt. The seeing-eye dog, upon sighting Dan, began to strain at his leash. Only after the blindman had restrained the animal were the Cubs able to enter the warehouse.
For awhile the conversation centered on river commerce. Then presently, Dan and Brad steered it to the topic of river pirates.
“I wish the police would get busy and catch these pug-uglies that have been makin’ so much trouble along the waterfront,” Hank said irritably. “Trouble is, they’re slick operators.”