“Dan, of course,” answered Bob.
“And Dan had the other key, maybe,” continued Tom.
“Yes, I think so,” said Nelson. “By Jove, Tommy, you’re right! Perhaps Dan has gone off with her!”
“Nonsense!” said Bob. “He wouldn’t know how to start her, to say nothing of running her after she was started!”
“I’m not so sure,” answered Nelson. “He’s watched things pretty carefully lots of times, come to think of it. Besides, it wouldn’t make much difference to him whether he knew how or not. If he wanted to do it he would, and he’s a lucky beggar.”
“But could he have got back as early as this?” asked Bob.
“Let’s go over to the station and find out,” suggested Tom.
“You and Bob go,” Nelson said, “and I’ll see if I can find anyone around here who saw the Vagabond go out.” At the station Bob consulted the ticket agent.
“First train leaves New York at 4.54,” said the agent, “and arrives here at 9.45.”
“He wouldn’t take that,” said Bob to Tom. “He’d have to get up at four o’clock. Besides, we were at the wharf at a quarter to ten. What’s the next one?”