"Maybe it's a picture of Percy," laughed Bob.
"Say," exclaimed Hugh suddenly, "it's strange, though. Heinie's alligator was probably stolen by the man that returned the car, and whoever returned the car was probably out here at this meeting. What's the connection?"
"I don't believe there is any," said Bob. "You're too suspicious, Hugh."
"Won't you admit that it's queer?"
"Of course I will, but I think it also proves that Heinie couldn't have been the one who returned our car last night. That is, if you think the man who stole the alligator was the one who brought back the car. Heinrich wouldn't cry about the loss of his pet if he was the one who took it, would he?"
"It's too deep for one to understand," sighed Hugh with a shake of his head. "At any rate one thing is sure and that is that some plots are being hatched around here and—"
Before he could finish there was a loud crash behind them, the only door leading out of the room was slammed shut, and a key turned in the lock.
CHAPTER XII
TRAPPED
Bob and Hugh stared at each other in astonishment. They had been tricked and were now prisoners. A moment later they recovered somewhat from their surprise and with one accord sprang for the door.