Part 7 (1/2)

”A 20-ft. high-powered speedboat. Mostly she was a blur in the dark. Not a light showing.”

”How many in the boat?”

”Three, I'd say.”

The information tended to convince the Cubs that the craft was the same one that had smashed into Mr. Holloway's sailboat.

As they were telling Hank about the incident, a tapping sound was heard on the planking outside the door. A moment later, a blindman led by a seeing-eye dog, groped his way into the warehouse.

”Good morning, Joe,” the watchman greeted him. ”How's business today?”

”Lousy,” the blindman complained. ”I've sold only four packages of pencils all morning. The sun's so hot it's wilting me. Mind if I chin for a few minutes while I cool off?”

”Glad to have you,” Hank said, guiding the man to a seat on a box. ”Boys, meet Joe Matt, a friend of mine.”

The Cubs gave their own names. Feeling sorry for the man, Brad then bought a package of pencils for a quarter. However, the blindman pocketed the coin rather indifferently.

”What do you hear from the cops?” he asked Hank. ”Any clue as to the fur thieves?”

”Apparently it was a clean get-away. The box was insured for only half its value and that makes it tough for Hodur and Fameister. I'm lucky I didn't lose my job?”

”Why should anyone blame you?” the blindman demanded. ”It wasn't your fault.”

”No, but maybe my employer will figure I should have had my eyes open a little wider. It's the first time I've lost anything in the eighteen years I've been workin' on the waterfront.”

Hank discussed the theft at length and then began to tell other tales of the waterfront which kept the Cubs enthralled. Brad, Dan, and Midge presently found themselves drawn into the conversation. They told of their Cave on the hillside and the exciting treasure hunt which had led to the discovery of Jacques lying on the beach.

”Jacques?” the blindman interposed. ”Is that his name? Must be one of those foreigners.”

”French, we think,” Midge revealed, failing to notice the look of intent interest in the blindman's otherwise mask-like face. ”He's not much to talk.”

”Hasn't told you anything about himself?”

”Not yet.”

”Where is the youngster now?”

”He may be at the Cave.”

The blindman talked a few minutes more and then arose to leave. Dan also slid down from the packing box on which he had perched himself.

Slight as was the movement, it disturbed the seeing-eye dog. With a snarl, he sprang at the boy.

Startled, Dan leaped backward. The blindman uttered a sharp command.

”Here, Rudy! Come here! Behave yourself!”

Still growling and eyeing Dan with deep hate, the dog allowed his master to grasp him by the leash.