thought. "But as it cannot be helped I'll have to
make the best of it. I mustn't stay here too long," and going into
the room he closed the door after him.

There was a faint light burning at one of the gas jets and this he
turned up, and pulled down the shades of the windows. Then he gazed
swiftly around the large room, noting the boys' trunks and traveling
bags and several articles of wearing apparel scattered about.

"Oh, if only I can find what I am after," he muttered. "But more than
likely they carry their money with them, or else they left it at the
hotel office."

All of the trunks and traveling bags were locked, and to force the
trunks open seemed at first impossible. One of the traveling bags
was slit open with a sharp pocket-knife the bully carried and the
contents emptied on one of the beds.

"Not much that I want," muttered Dan Baxter, as he gazed at the
collection. Then a jewel case caught his eye and he opened it. "A
diamond stud and a diamond scarf pin! Not so bad, after all!" And he
transferred the jewelry to his pocket.

A second later he came upon a bunch of keys. They proved to belong
to the trunks and bags, and soon he had the trunks open and the
contents scattered in all directions. Then he went down on his knees,
examining everything brought to light.

It must be confessed that he was in a fever of excitement. The Rover
boys might return at any moment, and he knew full well that to be
caught would mean a term in prison. He kept his ears on the alert
while his heart thumped loudly within his bosom.

"A pocketbook at last!" he cried softly, and snatched it up. One look
showed him a, small pile of five and ten-dollar bills, exactly two
hundred and seventy-five dollars in all. Then he found another jewel
case, and from it extracted a second diamond stud and a pair of very
fine cuff buttons.

"That is all I guess I can get," he muttered, as he stood up. "But
I might as well take a new outfit while I am at it," he added, and
picked up several articles of wearing apparel. These he stuffed in
one of the bags which had not been cut, and around it put a small strap.

Tiptoeing his way to the door, he opened it and listened. Nobody was
within hearing or sight. But as he stepped out, the waiter he had
before seen came once more into view, this time carrying a tray with
some bottles and a box of cigars. The waiter eyed him curiously again,
but said nothing.

"Too bad he saw me, but it can't be he