They would not sleep aboard the train again as they would reach their destination near midnight. For a time they gossiped in low voices, so as not to disturb two men whispering together on the other side of the platform. All three sat in silence, slumped down in their chairs and at first staring out at the landscape bathed in magical moonlight. Gradually Jack and Bob yielded to the soporific influences of their surroundings, with the car wheels beating a monotonous and sleep-inducing lullaby.
Presently the two men who had been whispering raised their voices slightly in argument. Then one ceased abruptly, cast a keen glance toward the boys, said a word or two in a low voice to his companion, and they arose and entered the car. Frank, who like his companions had been sitting with his cap pulled down over his eyes, had not been asleep, however, and as the others left the platform he shook Jack and Bob into wakefulness.
“Did you hear that?” he demanded excitedly.
His two chums rubbed their eyes, and looked puzzled.
“Why, those two men who were out here,” Frank said impatiently. “I believe you were actually asleep.”
“Guess I was,” said Bob, yawning. “But what was it they said? And were they talking to you?”
“They were whispering to each other,” said Frank. “I didn’t mean to listen. But they raised their voices, and I overheard. Then one of them looked our way—to see if we heard, I suppose—and they got up and left.”
“Shh,” said Frank, nervously. “The door’s open and that man—the one that got suspicious of us—is staring out at us. Listen,” he whispered, “I’m going in to talk to Uncle George. You fellows stretch and yawn presently and get up and go to our stateroom. Then pretty soon I’ll bring Uncle George in, and we can shut the door and I’ll tell you.”
“Now, what is it, Frank?” asked Mr. Temple, when he and the three chums were all gathered in their staterooms with the door locked behind them. “What’s all this mystery?”
“Yes, what is it you overheard out there on the observation platform?” demanded Jack. “You certainly seem excited enough. What’s it all about?”
“Spoiled my nap,” grumbled big Bob. “It better be good or they won’t be able to find you.”
And picking up a pillow he started to belabor his chum with it. Frank laughed and warded him off.