"No, sir," said George quickly, "and we don't know what he is either."
"Well, this is Mr. Brown from Syracuse," explained Mr. Button. "A gang of bank robbers got into one of the vaults there some time ago and got away with a large number of bonds. Mr. Brown was detailed to find and catch the thieves if possible."
As Mr. Button ceased speaking the interest and excitement of the boys at once increased.
They looked eagerly at one another and at Mr. Brown, who now assumed an importance in their eyes, which before he had not had, even when they believed him to be a false claimant to the bond which they had found on board the Black Growler.
"Are you a detective?" inquired John, turning to Mr. Brown as he spoke.
"I don't speak of myself in that way," replied Mr. Brown, "and yet--"
"That's what he is," interrupted Mr. Button "He already has run down and found most of the bonds."
"How did that one come to be on our boat?" inquired Grant.
"Why, I had it in my pocket," laughed Mr. Brown, "and I put it under the cushion for safe keeping. You see, I joined that crowd and they thought I was one of the canal-men. I was with them for ten days at least and finally I found out what I wanted to know."
"Were they the bank thieves?" asked George eagerly.