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Well, theyve been holding considerable conversation in low tones, explained Rob. I could manage to glimpse them in the glass at our end of the car, though they didnt suspect me of spying. Every time either of you thought to get up, or even turn your heads they made out to be half asleep, with their eyes shut; but I could see they were talking about you.
Then mebbe that Marsters did send emissaries along with me to try and steal the product of my brains! complained Hiram, with compressed lips and stern demeanor.
Oh! that doesnt follow at all, Rob assured him. These fellows may just happen to be a pair of hard cases always on the lookout for signs of a paying haul. When they noticed how you kept feeling of your inside pocket they guessed from the signs you must have something worth while hidden away there. Men who make their living from the world by sharp tricks get to read character wonderfully well.
Yes, Andy put in just then, they say that old and experienced customs inspectors can tell from a persons looks in nine cases out of ten whether he or she is trying to smuggle things into the country without declaring them.
What
can I do about it then, Rob? asked Hiram.
Ive got a plan that would fill the bill, he was told.
Yes, go on and tell me, Rob.
You come with me into the car ahead. Well sit in the smoking compartment for a few minutes if it happens to be empty. There you can give me your packet, and Ill fasten it inside my coat, handing over some worthless papers for you to do up as if they were priceless in value, to pin in your pocket instead. Do you get what Im telling you, Hiram?
Rob, count me in, the other replied hastily. Its a good thing, for even if they did happen to rob me theyd be having their pains for nothing. When youre ready, give me the tip and Ill follow after you.
Andy, Rob continued impressively, as we pass out you change your seat so that youre facing the two men. In that way you can seem to be watching, and theyre not so apt to follow after us.
All right, muttered Andy; any time you see fit Im ready.
Rob first of all made a little packet with some old letters taken from his pocket, and which he had been thinking of discarding for some time. This he could do without exposing his hands above the shelter afforded by the back of the seat.
All ready, Hiram; get up, and seem to be coaxing me to go with you. Finally, lay hold of my sleeve and pull me. Ill act as if I didnt much care to accompany you. That will serve to divert attention; and as you pass the men turn your eyes the other way. If you can be saying something about some one being glad to see me, it would make them believe we knew a passenger in one of the forward cars.
How Rob did look to the small details of everything he undertook! He knew from past experiences that after all these are what bring success in the long run.
Although Rob had told Hiram to turn his head the other way while nearing the two suspicious men, he himself gave them a nod in passing, just the salutation one traveler is apt to bestow upon another when they have been fellow passengers in the same car for hours, perhaps days.
Rob did that purposely; he knew it would serve to allay any suspicion that may have been bred in the minds of the men to the effect that their actions had been observed.
Once in the car ahead, they found that for a wonder the smoking compartment happened to be empty. Taking advantage of this chance, Hiram hurriedly unpinned the packet he had guarded so closely, and gave it into the possession of his chum. In its stead he secured the dummy in his pocket.
All this had consumed hardly two minutes of time. Rob was careful to notice that not a single soul had passed the door of the compartment; and as soon as the exchange had been effected he stepped out in order to take a survey of the car, to find that neither of the two suspicious men had actually followed them from the other sleeper.
That jobs finished, and I feel a whole lot easier in my mind, admitted Hiram.
No matter whether I was right or not, theres no harm been done, Rob told him; and now, Hiram, see that every five minutes or so you keep on feeling your coat as you were doing it before. Im more than curious to know whether theyll try it or not.
Well, chuckled the other, as if amused, if they dont it isnt goin to be for want of chances, I tell you that, Rob.
Lets get back to our places, the scout leader added, because I dont feel altogether safe away from my suitcase, with all that wonderful stuff in it the professor said represented so much research and effort that made it priceless.
The two men were there as they had left them. Rob again nodded carelessly when he found that the short man was eagerly watching to catch his eyes; but he did not stop to enter into any conversation when the other made some casual remark, only replying over his shoulder as he passed on.
They kept talking like a blue streak while you were gone, said Andy, after the other two had seated themselves. Twice the tall man stepped off as if he meant to follow you, but he must have thought better of it, for he turned back before getting out of the car, and shook his head at the other one. They are up to something evil, Rob, take my word for it.