But it was a waste of words to admonish the curiosity seekers who crowded up toward the front door. Then out came Chief Miles Duncan of the Cliffside police. He noticed Bob and his chums in the forefront of the gathering.
“Hello, Bob!” he greeted pleasantly. “This is one of those things you’ll be interested in—quite a mystery. Come in and take a look.”
“Now look here—!” began Sam Drayton.
“It’s all right—Bob can do more with this than you or I could,” said the Cliffside official in a low voice. “I’ll tell you about him later. He’s got the makings of a great detective in him.”
Bob, much pleased at the invitation, started to push his way through the crowd, envious murmurs accompanying him.
“Stick by me, fellows,” he told Ned and Bob. “We’ll all go in together.”
“Say, look here!” objected Sam Drayton as he saw three lads approaching, “Chief Duncan only told Bob Dexter to come in and——”
“These are my assistants,” said Bob gravely, but, at the same time winking at Chief Duncan. And Mr. Duncan winked back.
“That’s right,” he backed up Bob.
“Oh, well, let ’em in then,” grudgingly conceded Mr. Drayton.