it struck me," put in Phil. "He certainly didn't lose any time in getting away, did he?" and the shipowner's son grinned broadly.

   "He had a guilty conscience," was Mr. Passmore's comment. "Mr. Fordham, I think you can congratulate yourself that he has left."

   "I think so myself, sir," replied the old gentleman. He looked kindly at Dave and his chums. "It looks to me as if you had saved me from being swindled," he continued. "If he had a fair sort of a proposition I think he would have stayed."

   "I think so myself," added Mr. Passmore. "Just the same, supposing I look into this Sunset Company for you?"

   "As you please, Mr. Passmore. But I doubt if I care to invest—after what I have heard and seen of this fellow, Haskers," answered the old gentleman.

   The matter was talked over a little more and then the boys and Bert's father departed, first, however, receiving the warm thanks of Mr. Fordham for what they had done. In the foyer of the hotel the chums fell in with Bert.

   "Say, I saw that Haskers fellow shoot out of the hotel in a mighty hurry," he said. "You must have made it hot for him."

   "We did," answered Dave. "Where did he go?"

   "Up the lake road, as fast as he could walk."

   "I wonder where he is stopping?" mused Phil.

   "We might take the auto and follow him?" suggested the senator's son. "There is no hurry about our getting home."

   "Let's do it!" cried Dave, for he was as curious as the others concerning the former teacher of Oak Hall.

   "If you don't mind I'll go along," said Bert.

   So it was arranged, and letting Mr. Passmore know of their plans they soon got ready for the trip.

   "Now, don't get into any trouble," warned the rug dealer, as they were about to depart. "That fellow Haskers may be like a rat—very ugly when cornered."

   "We'll keep our eyes open," answered Dave.

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