“Here is a dollar for what you have told me,” said he, to the driver.  “If you spot that rascal, have him arrested, and call up the Outlook Hotel,” he added.

“All right, I’ll remember that,” was the ready answer.

“I’ll go back to the hotel,” said the youth, to his own driver.  He knew that Sam and Tom would be wondering what had become of him.

It took but a short while to reach the Outlook Hotel, and there Dick found not only Sam and Tom, but also a clerk and several others awaiting his return.  He settled with the driver, and dismissed him.

“Do you know anything about the man who got away?” asked Dick, of the clerk.

“Not much.  He came here several days ago and registered under the name of Peter Smith, of Pittsburgh.  All he had was a small valise, and that is still in his room.”

“Anything in it?”

“I don’t know.  We can go up and take a look.”

“It’s a pity you didn’t catch the rascal, whoever he is,” was Tom’s comment.

“Wait,” whispered Dick, to his brothers.  “I’ve got something to tell you.”

All passed upstairs in an elevator, and the clerk led the way to the room which the patron calling himself Peter Smith had occupied.  All the apartment contained was a rusty-looking valise.

“Must have picked that up at some second-hand store,” was Sam’s comment.

The valise was unlocked and the clerk opened it.  It contained nothing but a comb and brush and some magazines.

“Humph!  A dead beat!” muttered the clerk.  “He put the magazines inside to make the valise feel as if it was filled with clothing.  It’s an old game.  Be intended to leave without paying his bill.  I wish you had collared him!”

“I wish I had,” answered Dick; and then he and his brothers returned to their own rooms.

“What have you got to tell?” demanded Tom, when they were alone.

“I’ve found out who that man was,” answered Dick.

“Who?” questioned Sam.

“Josiah Crabtree.”

CHAPTER XV

 At the brokers’ office

Sam and Tom gazed at their brother in amazement.

“Josiah Crabtree!” exclaimed the youngest Rover.

“How did you find that out?” questioned Tom.

“I suspected Crabtree as soon as I saw the man jump into the taxicab,” answered Dick.  “There was something about his form, and in the way he ran, that looked familiar.  Then the taxi driver told me he had two front teeth filled with gold.  That put me on the trail, and from what the man told me I am sure the fellow was old Crabtree.”

“But if it was Crabtree, what has he to do with dad’s visit to New York?” asked Sam.

“That remains to be found out.  But one thing is sure.  Crabtree knows that father is missing,—­ and he had that extra key made to get into the room during father’s absence.”