"There aint no train now, boss," said the hack driver, after receiving his directions from Robert.

"I don't want to catch a train; I want to catch a couple of thieves who want to make off with my valise," answered our hero.

"Did you forget the valise?"

"No, they have stolen my baggage check."

"Oh, that's it! Well, I'll get you to the depot in short order."

Away went the hack at a rate of speed which was far from agreeable so far as riding was concerned.

But, disagreeable as it was, it pleased Robert, and soon the railroad station came in sight.

"There are the fellows who are after my bag!" cried our hero, as the hack came to a halt. He had espied Hammerditch and Le Fevre making their way to the baggage room.

[Pg 270]

"You are certain they are after the valise? Perhaps you may be mistaken," went on the driver, who was a rather elderly man and cautious.

"I'll watch them and make sure," said Robert.

Taking his station behind the baggage room door, our hero saw the Englishman and the French Canadian approach the baggage master.

"I am after my valise," said the Englishman, producing Robert's check. "My son left it here a few hours ago. I have concluded to remain in Muskegon over night."

"All right, sir," answered the baggage master, taking the check. He glanced at the piles of baggage which littered the room. "What kind of a looking bag was it?"

For the minute Hammerditch was nonplussed, as he did not remember Robert's bag very well.

"It was—er—a tan-colored bag, not very large," he stammered. "I just bought it, so I don't remember it—er—very well."

"I reckon this is it," said the baggage master, after a short hunt. "Check 432,—that's right."

Hammerditch was about to take the valise when Robert came up and seized it.

"No, you don't, you thief!" he exclaimed. "Your little game is nipped in the bud."

[Pg 271]

The Englishman turned and his face fell, and Le Fevre was also discomfited.

"What's the trouble?" asked the baggage master, in astonishment.

"This rascal was about to steal my bag."

"Your bag?"

"Yes, my bag. Don't you remember my leaving it here a couple of hours ago?"

"I do."

"He got a tough to steal my check, and he would have had the bag if I hadn't got here just in time."

"He said you were his son."

"I wouldn't have him for a relative," cried Robert. "Mr. Hammerditch, you are a thorough-paced scoundrel," he went on, facing the Englishman.

"What, this to me!" gasped the schemer.

"Yes, that to you. You are a would-be thief, and I reckon your companion is little better."

"Boy, boy! I vill haf ze law on you!" howled the French Canadian.

"And I will have the law on you," retorted Robert. "You wanted to steal that map. You need not deny it."

"The bag is mine," said Hammerditch boldly. "This is a plot to get me into trouble."

[Pg 272]

"I reckon I can prove my property," said Robert. "Have you the key that will unlock the bag?"

"Never mind about that."

"I have the key," went on our hero. He produced it and opened the bag. "I wish you to bear witness that this bag contains my wearing apparel," he said to the baggage master.

"Yes, that must be your stuff," was the answer.

"Here are my initials, R.F. My name is Robert Frost, while his name is Oscar Hammerditch. There isn't a single thing here that belongs to him, or that would fit him."

"What did you say about a map?" went on the baggage man.

"I have a map that he wants to steal, in order to lay claim to certain lumber lands located near Timberville."

"But I see no map."

"The map is in my pocket, here," and Robert produced the document.

If ever Hammerditch had looked sheepish it was now. He realized that even if he had obtained the valise he would have been outwitted. Plainly this American lad was too smart for him.

[Pg 273]

"I'll see you about this later," he howled, and started to back out.

"Wait a minute, I want to give you a bit of advice," said Robert, catching him by the arm. "If I wanted to I could have you arrested on the spot. But I am not going to take that trouble. But this baggage man is a witness to the fact that you tried to steal my valise, and if you or that Frenchman ever bother me again, I'll have you locked up on the charge, and I'll see that you go to prison for it. Now you can clear out."

For the moment Hammerditch was speechless. He wanted to flare up, but the words would not come. He grated his teeth, turned on his heel and almost ran from the baggage room. With him went Jean Le Fevre; and it may be added right here that that was the last Robert ever saw of the dishonest pair.

After the pair were gone Robert gave t............