e. "But it is hard to hide them from clever chaps like
yourself."

At which compliment, Thorpe, who had only been making some shrewd
guesses, looked wise, but said nothing.

It happened that these two were playing whist when the train reached
St. George's Bay, and Mr. Gregg remarked to his partner:

"There's a chap staring at this crowd as if he knew some of us."

Thorpe glanced from the window, and started from his seat with an
exclamation. At the same moment Cabot Grant turned away and hurried
from the station.

"Do you know him?" asked Mr. Gregg.

"He is the very person I was speaking to you about a while ago,"
replied Thorpe.

CHAPTER IX.

SENDING IN A FALSE REPORT.

At sight of Cabot, Thorpe Walling's instinct had been to leave the car
and follow him; but the thought of his luggage, which he knew he could
not get off in time, caused him to hesitate, and then it was too late,
for the train was again in motion.

"The young man did not seem particularly anxious to meet his old
classmate," remarked Mr. Gregg. "In fact, it rather looked as though
he wished to avoid recognition."

Thorpe pretended to be too busy with his cards to make reply to this
suggestion; but an ugly expression came into his face, and, from that
moment, he hated Cabot Grant. When, on the following day, he reached
St. Johns and learned of the loss of the "Lavinia," with all on board,
except those saved in the mate's boat, he was more perplexed than ever.
Cabot's name was published as one of those who had gone down with the
ill-fated steamer, and yet he had certainly seen him alive and well
only the day before. What could it mean?

"Do you suppose Hepburn knows of his escape?" asked Mr. Gregg, who was
stopping at the same hotel, and to whom Thorpe confided this mystery.

"I haven't an idea."

"What do you say to wiring and finding out? It can't do us any harm,
and might gain us an insight into the old man's plans up here."

"I should say it was a good idea."

As a result of this desire for information the following telegram was
sent to the president of the Gotham Trust and Investment Company:

"St. Johns, N'f'l'd.--Here all right. What shall I do next?----C. G."

And the answer came promptly:

"Congratulations. Send B. I. report. If in need of funds, draw.----H."

"That settles it!" exclaimed Mr. Gregg, exultingly. "Hepburn is after
Bell Island, and your friend was sent here to report upon its value.
Now,