Page:On to Pekin.djvu/122

100 Polk had been after the letter. "If he was, he didn't get it," he told himself; "and I'll take good care that he doesn't get another chance at it."

When Nuggy Polk reached his state-room, he was almost out of breath and as white as a sheet. Coming inside, he locked the door, and began to pull off his clothing with all possible speed.

"What's up now?" questioned Nickerson.

"The roll of the boat upset me, and I woke the lieutenant up," was the low answer. "I don't know but that they are after me. Keep quiet; and, if they come here, we'll pretend we are asleep, and have been for over an hour."

Nuggy soon had his shoes and clothing off; and, still trembling with excitement, he crept into his bunk, and lay there in silence, listening for a knock on the door. But the minutes went by, and nobody came; and at last he breathed easier.

"They didn't spot me, after all," he chuckled. "I reckon I was too quick for them."

"Did you return the bogus letter?" asked his companion.

"Yes."

"Then you are safe on the writing question?"