Part 36 (1/2)

”Keep your eyes open, and take care of yourself. If we fail to get a clue by the time we get to Des Moines I shall send to St. Louis for the best detective they have and put him on the case. Perhaps it would be best to do so now.”

”I think--” began Phil, when his words were arrested by a loud noise just outside the cabin, on the deck.

Mr. Sparling and Phil started up, for the instant not understanding the meaning of the disturbance.

”Wha--what--” gasped the showman.

Phil ran to the window and looked out.

The deck at that point was deserted. He thought he saw a figure dodge into an entrance near the stern of the boat, and looking forward he discovered another disappearing in that direction.

The Circus Boy sprang for the door.

”What is it, what is it?” cried the showman.

”Eavesdroppers!” answered the lad, darting out into the pa.s.sageway, followed closely by Mr. Sparling.

”You go that way and I'll go this,” directed Phil.

CHAPTER XVIII

MAKING A CAPTURE

The two ran down the corridor, Mr. Sparling heading for the forward end, Phil toward the stern.

”There he goes! I see him!” shouted the showman as a figure leaped out to the deck, slamming the door. ”We have him now!”

Phil rushed out at the stern and started to run along the starboard side of the boat. As he emerged he caught sight of a figure running toward him, and behind the figure, Mr. Sparling, coming along the deck in great strides.

”Stop! We've got you!” shouted the showman.

Phil spread out his arms as the fleeing one drew near him, then threw them about the fellow, holding him in a firm grip.

”I've got him, Mr. Sparling!”

”Leggo of me! What's the matter with you? Anybody would think this was a high school initiation.”

”Teddy,” groaned Phil.

”What's that?” demanded the showman jerking Phil and his prisoner over to an open window through which a faint light was showing.

”It is Teddy Tucker, sir,” said Phil releasing his hold.

”What does this mean, sir?” demanded the showman in a stern voice.

”That's what I want to know. You fellows chase me around the boat as if I were some kind of a football. It's a wonder one of you didn't kick me. Lucky for you that you didn't, too, I can tell you.”

”Teddy, come to my cabin at once. Phil, bring him along, will you?”