“That’s an old dodge, but it don’t work with me, see?  You go back and get a ticket,” said the gateman, firmly.

“But he’ll get away from me,” pleaded the eldest Rover.

“If he does, it’s not my fault.  You can’t pass here without a ticket.”

By this time the train was almost ready to start.  But Sam had procured tickets and he rushed up.

“There are two tickets!” he cried.  “Come on, Dick!” and he sprinted for the train.

The guard was closing the platform gate, but they managed to squeeze through.  The train was crowded with people going home from their day’s work and in the jam they could see nothing of Cuffer.

“But he is on board,” said Dick.

“I know it,” returned his brother, “and we must find him.  Quick, you go to the front and I’ll go to the rear.  If you locate him, tell the trainman you want him arrested at the next station.”

Without another word the brothers separated and each tried to work his way to an end of the train, which was composed of five cars.  This was by no means easy, for the crowd was in no humor to be jostled or have its toes stepped upon.

“Look where you are going!” cried one stout man to Sam.  “Stop pushing me!” And then as the youngest Rover dodged out of his way he ran his ear into the big feather on a young lady clerk’s immense hat.  The girl glared at him and murmured something under her breath, which was far from complimentary.  By the time he had reached the front end of the car half a dozen passengers were his enemies.

Dick had gone to the rear and as he entered the last car he saw Cuffer crouching down in a seat near the door.  The train was stopping at another station, and quick as a flash the fellow arose in the seat, shot between Dick and a man with several bundles, and forced his way out on the platform.  Dick tried to follow, but was caught fast by several men.

“Here, don’t be acting in such a rowdy fashion!” cried one man, in great irritation.

“You knocked my bundle from my hand!” added another.  “It’s a shame the way some roughs act on these trains.  The authorities ought to have them arrested,” he went on in a loud voice.

“What’s the trouble in there?” demanded a policeman, who was on the station platform in the crowd.

“This young fellow is too fresh,” explained the man who had dropped his bundle.

“I want to get off, that’s all,” said Dick.

“Well, you behave yourself,” growled the guardian of the peace, and Dick was glad enough to get away with this reprimand.  He saw Cuffer running for the stairs and made after him as rapidly as the density of the crowd permitted.

When Dick gained the street once more the train bearing Sam was again on its way downtown.  Cuffer was about a block away, running past Cooper Institute in the direction of the Bowery.

“I may as well keep up the chase and try to run him down,” thought Dick, but he wished his brother was with him.