eaches one not to trust to appearances. So you think he's getting
a move on him, Mr. Quest?"

"I think he had a truck waiting for him at the corner of Gayson Avenue,"
Quest replied. "It was the machine my men went after. The men looked like
river thugs, although I shouldn't have thought of it if the Professor
hadn't used the word 'river pirates.' It's quite clear that they took
Craig down to the river. There's only one likely ship sailing to-night and
that's the _Durham_. It's my belief Craig's on her."

The Inspector glanced at the clock.

"Then we've got to make tracks," he declared, "and pretty quick, too.
She'll be starting from somewhere about Number Twenty-eight dock, a long
way down. Come along, gentlemen."

They hurried out to the automobile and started off for the docks. The
latter part of their journey was accomplished under difficulties, for the
street was packed with drays and heavy vehicles. They reached dock Number
Twenty-eight at last, however, and hurried through the shed on to the
wharf. There were no signs of a steamer there.

"Where's the _Durham_?" Quest asked one of the carters, who was just
getting his team together.

The man pointed out to the middle of the river, where a small steamer was
lying.

"There she is," he replied. "She'll be off in a few minutes. You'll hear
the sirens directly, when they begin to move down."

Quest led the way quickly to the edge of the wharf. There was a small tug
there, the crew of which were just making her fast for the night.

"Fifty dollars if you'll take us out to the _Durham_ and catch her before
she sails," Quest shouted to the man who seemed to be the captain. "What
do you say?"

The man spat out a plug of tobacco from his mouth.

"I'd take you to hell for fifty dollars," he answered tersely. "Step in.
We'll make it, if you look quick."

They clambered down the iron ladder and jumped on to the deck of the tug.
The captain seized the wheel. The two men who formed the crew took off
their coats and waistcoats.

"Give it her, Jim," the former ordered. "Now, then, here goes! We'll just
miss the ferry."

They swung around and commenced their journey. Quest stood with his watch
in his hand. They were getting up the anchor of the _Durham_, and from
higher up the river came the screech of steamers beginning to move on
their outward way.

"We'll make it all right," the captain assured them.

They were within a hundred yards of the _Durham_ when Quest