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"Say, is there a man named Jack Wumble stopping here?" he demanded. "Jack Wumble," repeated the clerk slowly. "That's what I said." "There is a Jack Wimple stopping here but he is out gone to St. Louis." "Jack Wimple? He's not the man," and the old miner fell back and repeated what had been said to the three boys. "Perhaps Bradner made a mistake," suggested Tom. "But I don't believe it."
A passing car was hailed and they all got on board, each carrying a valise, for the Rover boys had decided that trunks would be too cumbersome for the trip. They sat close together, and during the ride the stranger endeavored to make himself as agreeable as possible. "My name is Henry Bradner," he said, introducing himself.
By this time the bully felt that he had had enough of the encounter, and breaking through the crowd he set off on a mad run down the street and around the nearest comer. Feeling it would be useless to try to catch Dan Baxter just then, Tom turned his attention to Dick and Henry Bradner. Bradner was struggling hard to get up, but Dick was master of the situation, so Tom had little to do.
"What's the meaning of this?" demanded the policeman, as soon as he came upon the scene. "I want this man arrested," answered Dick, as he got up, but still kept close to Bradner. "What has he done?" "He is a sharper of the worst kind." "You are sure of this?" "I am " "You will have to go to the station house with us if I take the man in," continued the policeman.
Eight squares were covered before Dan Baxter and Bradner reached a dingy looking hotel which went by the name of Lakeman's Rest. It was set in the middle of the block, with brick houses on either side of it. They entered a narrow hallway, and by the light above the door Dick saw them ascend the stairs to the second floor.
"Didn't they suspect you?" "One of 'em said he thought he had seen me before." And Bradner laughed. "It was at the Valley Brook Church. I followed them to the church just to keep my word to your father." "And you are certain Mr. Rover isn't coming West?" "No, he's laid up with a game leg, and won't move for a month. I got that straight from the hired man." There was a pause.
"I know the clerk," said Bradner. "I'll ask him about your friend." And before Dick could stop him he had pushed his way to the desk and was talking in a low tone to the clerk. Dick tried to catch what was said, but was unable to do so. "You are in luck," said Bradner, on coming back. "The clerk says Jack Wumble has gone off for the day, but said he would be back by to-night sure."
"Let go of me!" hissed Bradner, and as Dick paid no attention he aimed a blow for the youth's head. But Dick "had been there before," and dodged, and the force of his effort nearly took the rascal off his feet. Before he could recover Dick had him down on his back and was sitting on his chest. Tom was having a lively time with Dan Baxter.
The boys walked on for a distance of several blocks, and then coming to a nice-looking restaurant went in for dinner. While they were eating Dick happened to glance out of the show window of the place and gave a low cry. "What is it, Dick?" asked Tom. "I thought as much. That man is watching us." Sam and Tom gave a look, but by this time Henry Bradner had disappeared from view.
The officer of the law accompanied all three to the police station, and here the boys told their story, and a watch was set for Bradner and Dan Baxter. But nothing came of this, for the pair left Chicago early the next day. "We had better keep close together after this," said Jack Wumble, as he was seeing the boys back to their hotel. "I reckon you've got a mighty bad crowd to deal with."
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