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Rh returned Dick; and a few minutes later he quitted the house.

On his way to the hotel he met Sam and Tom, who had looked in vain for the automobile. In as few words as possible he told his brothers about what Oliver Mason had said, and of the finding of the slip of paper.

"What do you make of it?" asked Sam.

"I think they are going to Portland, either by auto or in a boat." answered Dick.

"That's just what I think," added Tom. "But we may be mistaken."

"Before we go any further, I am going to have that house watched," went on Dick. "I'll hire a first-class detective, and then, if Mrs. Sobber or any of the others come back, we'll have 'em arrested."

They visited a detective agency, and a man was put on the case without delay. Then the Rovers hurried down to the water front, to see if they could get any trace of Mrs. Stanhope there.

An hour's tramping produced no results, and somewhat discouraged, they were on the point of going to the hotel, to meet Spud, when they saw an old sailor come from a restaurant close by.

"My friend," said Dick, addressing the old tar, "I'd like to get some information. Did you ever