The girls exchanged a quick glance. But they did not tell Jack of their recent adventure.
“Well, why don’t we have the fellow arrested?” Sally demanded after a moment of silence. “I’m satisfied he stole the brass lantern. He probably came aboard for money, and unable to get into the safe, took the trophy for meanness.”
“Or he may be mixed up with the gang of factory brass thieves,” Penny supplied.
“You can’t prove a case against a man, because he might have dropped the badge anytime he happened to be a passenger aboard the ferry,” Jack said. “It would do no good to have him booked on suspicion.”
“Is he a friend of yours?” Sally asked significantly.
“Of course not!”
“Jack is right about it,” Penny interposed hastily. “We need more information before we ask police to make an arrest. Any other news, Jack?”
“Nothing startling. But you know that detective your father brought here from Riverview?”
“Heiney?”
“Yes, he reported today that Sweeper Joe contacted him again, offering to sell a large quantity of brass. An appointment has been made for the delivery Friday night. If it proves to be stolen brass, then he’s trapped himself.”