Page:Dave Porter at Oak Hall.djvu/75

Rh told of how the valise had dropped from the seat and how he had come to get a peep inside.

"I guess you have spotted the right man," said the policeman. "But I'd better tell the chief of this, first."

"Where is he? The man may get away if you delay."

"The station house is right around the corner."

"Supposing I go and watch the man while you tell your chief?" suggested Dave.

"Very well. If he tries to get away, run to the station house and report."

So it was agreed, and a moment later Dave hurried once more towards the hotel. He found the stranger leaning on the bar, talking earnestly to the one who had served him with drinks. The valise rested on a side table.

"Hullo!" cried the man. "Do you know when our train moves?"

"Not yet a while," answered Dave.

"I've got to get out of town, somehow," went on the stranger. "I can't afford to stay here all day."

"Maybe you'd like to walk."

"That's a good joke. Don't you know that the roads around here are beastly?"

"Perhaps you can hire an automobile," went on Dave, talking merely for the purpose of killing time.