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would give the rascals a chance to accomplish their purpose.
If youre satisfied, Hiram, lets be getting out of here, said Rob, who had seen the two men getting an extra portion of food, believing that this might be a good chance to leave them in the lurch, since they would hardly jump up and accompany the boys, for fear of attracting attention.
The two scouts quickly arose, seized their hats, and passed along between the tables, which were pretty generally occupied by that time. Rob took occasion to keep his eyes on the two men, for several reasons. He even returned their nods as though no such thing as a suspicion regarding their honesty had come into his head.
They missed that chance, anyhow! Hiram remarked, as with some difficulty they threaded their way through the next car, for the train was making fast time, and things rolled more or less.
Weve got to keep on the alert all the time if we expect to leave those smart chaps in the lurch, Rob told him. You know the old saying, eternal vigilance is the price of liberty, and it applies to us right now.
Then you dont think theyve given up all hope yet, Rob?
That kind of men never do until theyve exhausted every plan, the scout leader replied. I expect that right now theyve got some scheme in mind they mean to spring on us if they get but half a chance.
Reaching their section in the sleeper, they sent Andy ahead to get his supper. He told them he was as hungry as a wolf, and would make up for what Hiram failed to dispose of, so that the company should not get too rich off what they paid into its coffers.
After a while the men came in and took their seats. Rob was a little afraid one of them might be bold enough to push himself upon them. He had prepared for this during their absence by having Hiram sit alongside of him next the window, while the other seat was piled high with some of their luggage, thus offering no chance for a third party to find room.
But it proved a false alarm. Neither of the men made any advance whatever, and Rob believed they had figured that action on their part while on the train might get them into trouble.
The time will come when we are in the station at Los Angeles, he told Hiram.
Do you really think so? asked the other curiously; and it might be noticed that he did not seem to be trembling any longer; for since his packet was safe in the possession of Rob Blake, Hiram did not see any necessity for further worrying over the matter.
We must be careful every minute of the time until we reach the hotel, the scout leader explained.
Huh! do you know, Rob, what Ive got a good notion to do?
Be reckless, perhaps, chuckled the other, guessing this, perhaps, from the little boastful strain he detected in the language Hiram used.
Why, to be frank with you, Rob, I really feel sorry for those chumps. Theyve taken a whole lot of interest in a poor country chap like me, and it seems a shame they should be bitterly disappointed.
Oh! thats the way things set, do they? continued Rob. You feel so bad on their account that youre tempted to give them a chance to steal that dummy packet you have fastened inside your pocket?
Ive gone so far as to take the pin out, you see, chuckled Hiram. If they do get busy they neednt have the worry of that to keep them back. And when you look at it in the right light, Rob, wouldnt that be just the quickest way to get rid of the slick rascals?
Well, the chances are that if they did manage to lay hands on your packet, theyd disappear in a big hurry, Hiram.
All right, then. Let them make the opportunity, and Ill try to be as accommodating as possible. You know, Rob, that Im said to be an easy mark among the boys of Hampton. I hate to disappoint anybody in the worst way.
Here comes Andy, and he looks as if he has enjoyed his supper first-rate, too, Rob remarked. I hope he doesnt let them get him into conversation for an entering wedge. I forgot to warn him about that.
Apparently Andy was wise enough on his own account to know the folly of such a move, as he pushed past the two men, paying no attention even when one of them plucked at his sleeve.
One more hour and well be there, the conductor told me, he announced.
Then we must be about on time, according to the schedule, said Hiram, who had worn his time-table almost to shreds by consulting it so often on the long journey from New York City.
They proceeded to get all their belongings in shape, so there would be nothing to delay them, once the station was reached. Rob had decided to take a carriage to the Hotel Alexandria, and thus avoid all possible contact with strangers.
When the porter announced that they were entering Los Angeles there was
considerable confusion, as passengers caught up such of their hand luggage as had not been already piled near the door by the porter.
Rob had resolutely declined to let the negro touch his suitcase, though his liberal tip to the man made him eager to be of some assistance. The boy knew that at this point there was apt to crop up a crisis; and also that the good record held up to that time might be shattered through any carelessness on his part.