Part 4 (1/2)
”When?” questioned d.i.c.k.
”They have already started, according to the letter I have,” put in Sam. ”Boys, I think we can have just the jolliest time ever was when the girls are all together.”
”Right you are,” came from Tom. ”What a pity we had to have that robbery to darken our fun.”
”I am not going to let it darken my fun,” said d.i.c.k. ”Don't worry but what some day we'll get the best of Dan Baxter. That stolen stuff will never do him much good.”
The very next morning came word from the detectives. One of them called at the hotel.
”I am afraid the case is queered,” said he. ”We tracked the rascal to Oakland, and now it looks as if he had given us the slip for good.”
”Can't you find any trace of him?” questioned Sam.
”Oh, yes! but he has s.h.i.+pped on a vessel which is bound for Australia, and as she is already two days out of port he is out of our reach.”
”You are certain he went on that vessel?” cried Tom.
”Yes. He went as a pa.s.senger, under the name of Robert Brown.”
”And did he take the jewels and money with him?”
”More than likely. At any rate, we can find no trace of the jewels.”
”Then that chase is done for,” said d.i.c.k, ”and we shall have to pocket our loss.”
The detective was chagrined to think that he had tracked Dan Baxter only to lose him, and promised to see if anything more could be done in the matter.
But nothing could be done, as there was no telling when the Golden Wave would arrive at Australia, and what port the craft would first make.
”We have seen the last of Dan Baxter,” said Sam.
But the youngest Rover was mistaken. They were to meet the bully again, and under circ.u.mstances as astonis.h.i.+ng as they were perilous.
CHAPTER IV
GOOD TIMES AT SANTA BARBARA
”What a land of plenty!”
It was Tom who made the remark.
The Rover boys were on their way to Santa Barbara, after having spent three weeks at San Francisco and vicinity. They had received word that Dora Stanhope and her mother and the two Laning girls were at the fas.h.i.+onable watering place, and they were anxious to meet their old friends.
On sped the luxurious train, over hills and through the valleys, past heavy woodlands and by rich fruit farms. It was a scene which interested them greatly, and they never tired of sitting at the windows, gazing out.
Presently the car door opened and a tall young fellow, carrying a valise, stepped inside and walked down the aisle. As he came closer d.i.c.k Rover leaped up.
”Bob Sutter!” he cried, with a smile of pleasure. ”Who would ever dream of meeting you out here?”