The two ran down the corridor, Mr. Sparling heading for the forwardend, Phil toward the stern.

　　"There he goes! I see him!" shouted the showman as a figure leapedout to the deck, slamming the door. "We have him now!"Phil rushed out at the stern and started to run along the starboard sideof the boat. As he emerged he caught sight of a figure running towardhim, and behind the figure, Mr. Sparling, coming along the deck in greatstrides.

　　"Stop! We've got you!" shouted the showman.

　　Phil spread out his arms as the fleeing one drew near him, then threwthem about the fellow, holding him in a firm grip.

　　"I've got him, Mr. Sparling!""Leggo of me! What's the matter with you? Anybody would thinkthis was a high school initiation.""Teddy," groaned Phil.

　　"What's that?" demanded the showman jerking Phil and his prisonerover to an open window through which a faint light was showing.

　　"It is Teddy Tucker, sir," said Phil releasing his hold.

　　"What does this mean, sir?" demanded the showman in a stern voice.

　　"That's what I want to know. You fellows chase me around the boatas if I were some kind of a football. It's a wonder one of you didn't kickme. Lucky for you that you didn't, too, I can tell you.""Teddy, come to my cabin at once. Phil, bring him along, will you?""Yes," answered Phil Forrest. Phil was troubled. He could notbelieve it possible that Teddy was guilty of eavesdropping, and yet theevidence seemed to point strongly in that direction. Taking firm hold ofhis companion's arm he led him along toward Mr. Sparling's cabin.

　　"What's all this row about?" growled Teddy.

　　"That is what I hope you will be able to explain to Mr. Sparling'ssatisfaction," replied Phil. "However, wait till we get to his cabin."Phil led Teddy to the door, thrust him in, then followed, closing andlocking the door.

　　"Perhaps we had better close that window this time, sir.""Yes."Mr. Sparling drew up and locked the window.

　　"Sit down!" he commanded, eyeing Teddy keenly.

　　Teddy sat down dutifully and was about to place his feet on theshowman's desk when Phil nudged him.

　　"Now, sir, what does this mean?""What does what mean? I never was any good at guessing riddles.""What do you mean by eavesdropping at my cabin window?""Oh, was that your window?""It was and it is. And unless you can offer a satisfactory explanation,something will have to be done. That is one of the things that I shall nottolerate. I can scarcely believe you guilty of such a disgraceful act.

　　Unfortunately, you have admitted it.""Admitted what?""That you were listening at my window.""I never said anything of the sort.""No, not in so many words; but when I asked you what you meant bydoing so, you answered, 'Oh, was that your window?'""Certainly I said it.""Then will you kindly explain why?&q............