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Rob took pity on the poor fellow.
Its just as Andy says, Hiram, he observed seriously. Weve had a wonderful experience when out on the bay. A fire happened aboard old Captain Jerrys Sea Gull on account of a passenger dropping a lighted match, so that it caused something of an explosion. The two men, somewhat scorched, tumbled overboard. We were close at hand, and by using that fire-extinguishing torch of mine managed to put out the flames before theyd done much damage. We also hauled Captain Jerry and his passenger aboard.
Well, of all things! gasped Hiram. If it dont take you to do wonders, Rob Blake. Go on and tell me the rest, please. My yarn isnt in the same class with yours, it strikes me.
Rob quickly put him in possession of the facts that followed fast on the heels of the rescue, and their reaching the Castle of Judge Collins. Hiram continued to shake his head, and draw in long breaths as though almost overcome with astonishment.
The Arabian Nights never was in it with the things that happen to you, Rob, he exclaimed, when the story was complete. And so both of you are expecting to start overland to California right away? Well, Ive got plenty of money right here, and whats to hinder our making it a party of three?
That strikes me as a good thing, Hiram, said Rob. Were all scouts and comrades, after all; and you say you are afraid youll need advice sooner or later in dealing with the manufacturers. Well stand by you, Hiram, and theres my hand on it!
Bully for you, Rob! cried the delighted inventor, whose dejected countenance immediately lighted up. I was mighty afraid you meant to leave me out of the excursion party. Stand by me, and Ill do everything I can to help you. Three ought to be even better than just two, when it comes to counting noses.
You made a remark just now that struck me as queer, said Rob.
Tell me what it was, then, and Ill try to explain, Hiram ventured.
Well, you spoke of wanting a companion along to keep you from being caught napping, or robbed of valuable papers on the way; what did you mean by the last part of that sentence? Have you any idea anyone covets your papers, and might make an attempt to rob you when you were far away from home?
Rob, praps Im silly to think that way, but I cant help it, Hiram confessed. You see, one of the companies I corresponded with was in New York. They even sent an agent down here to interview me, and see what I had got. I never liked that man the least bit. He struck me as a sneak, and I made up my mind the company was what you might call a snide one wanting to steal ideas if they could. I declined to have any dealings with them, and their agent went away as mad as a hornet, even threatening that hed get the better of me by hook or crook.
You dont say! ejaculated Andy. Then, you must have squeezed his toes, Hiram; you made him squeal, and show his true colors. I give you credit for that.
Have you heard anything from the company since? asked Rob, hardly knowing whether to treat the implied threat seriously, or only as the ugly remark of a disappointed man who had found that Hiram was too smart for him.
Why, every week I get a few lines from this Marsters, the man who came to see me, asking if Im ready to do business with him. Theres no threat in the letter, but theres always something to imply that hes keeping track of what Im doing, and expects sooner or later Ill be glad to turn to him for a sale.
And you are afraid that he even knows of your dealings with this Golden Gate Company out on the Coast, is that it, Hiram? continued the scout leader.
I dont know what
to think, admitted Hiram. One letter came that I know had been tampered with. It may be hes got somebody in our postoffice in his pay.
That would be a serious thing if true, Rob told him.
Its lucky they didnt keep out the letter that had the bank draft in it, suggested Andy.
They might have done it, Hiram said, only the company was smart enough to register that, and it got to me safe and sound. But, Rob, after all this might only be a big bluff Marsters is putting up. He may never bother his head about me starting off on this trip, even if he hears about it through any paid spy in Hampton. And if Ive got two good chums along with me, whos afraid?
All the same, advised Rob, youd better keep this thing a dead secret. Well agree not to say a word about it to anyone. They can know how Andy and myself have been lucky enough to get a chance to see the Exposition; and let people figure youre in the deal, too. Well do nothing to make it seem contrary, remember that, Andy!
Im on, all right, Rob, the other hastened to assure him.
First of all, continued Rob, be careful with that draft. If I were you Id hand it over to my father, and then when you want the money hell give it to you. Did you think to ask him not to mention it?
Yes, and he said he wouldnt, after Id shown him the letter. He shook hands with me, Rob, and said he was as pleased as pie about it leastways not in just those words, you know, but it meant the same thing. Ill go up right away and ask him to take charge of it for fear I may lose the paper.