As he stood there a well-dressed stranger came up behind him, and also paused to read the notice.
"That is quite a reward," he remarked, after reading it; "a nice little sum for some one to earn. Do you know whether any particular persons are suspected of the crime?"
"They are simply believed to have been experts," answered Budd.
"It was a neat job, that's a fact," said the man, complacently.
Then as Budd turned away he asked, politely:
"Do you know of any one about the wharf here who has boats to let?"
"I have a sloop," replied Budd, "that I use to take out sailing-parties."
"Is it near here? Could I see it?" asked the man, looking Budd carefully over from head to foot.
The lad led the way down to the dock and pointed out the Sea Witch.
"She would do nicely," said the man, jumping into her and examining her cabin. "Is she a fast sailer?"