“A good idea,” returned my uncle.  “I’ll go with you.”

So while Kate joined Mrs. Canby we entered the depot.

The ticket was soon in my possession, and then I asked the ticket seller a number of questions concerning the route and the time I would reach my destination.

Suddenly instinct prompted me to turn quickly.  I did so and found John
Stumpy at my shoulder.

CHAPTER XXI

 A midnight adventure

Mr. John Stumpy had evidently been watching my proceedings closely, for when I turned to him he was quite startled.  However, it did not take him long to recover, and then, bracing up, he hurried away without a word.

He was now neatly dressed and had had his face shaved.  I conjectured that Mr. Woodward had advised this change in order to more fully carry out the deception in relation to the tramp’s real character.

“There’s that Stumpy,” I whispered to Captain Enos, as I pointed my finger at the man.  “He has been watching us.”

“How do you know?” asked my uncle.

“Because he was just looking over my shoulder,” I replied.  “Shall I speak to him?  I’d like to know what he intends to do next.”

“It won’t do any good.  It ain’t likely he’d tell you anything, and if he did, it wouldn’t be the truth.”

“Maybe it might.”

“Well, do as you think best, Roger, only don’t be too long—­ the widow and Kate are waiting, you know.”

Pushing through the crowd, I tapped Stumpy on the shoulder.  He looked around in assumed surprise.

“Hullo!” he exclaimed sharply.  “What do you want?”

“Nothing much,” I returned.  “I just saw you were greatly interested in what I was doing.”

“Why, I didn’t see you before.”

“You were just looking over my shoulder.”

“You’re mistaken, young man, just as you are in several other things.”

“I’m not mistaken in several other things.”

“What do you intend to do?” he asked curiously.

“That’s my business.”

“Where have you been?”

“That is my business also.”

“Strong, you’re a fool,” he whispered.  “Do you think you can hurt men like Mr. Woodward and myself?”

“I can bring you to justice.”

“Bah!  I suppose you think you can do wonders by going to Chicago.”

“How do you know I am going to Chicago?” I questioned quickly.

Stumpy’s face fell, as he realized the slip he had made.

“Never mind.  But you won’t gain anything,” he went on.  “Better stay home and save your money.”

And to avoid further talk he pushed his way through the crowd and was lost to sight.

A moment later I joined the others in the carriage.  While driving home I related the conversation recorded above.

“It’s too bad he found out you were going to Chicago,” said my uncle.  “He may try to stop you.”