swindled," he continued. "If he had a fair sort of a proposition I think
he would have stayed."

"I think so myself," added Mr. Passmore. "Just the same, supposing I
look into this Sunset Company for you?"

"As you please, Mr. Passmore. But I doubt if I care to invest--after
what I have heard and seen of this fellow, Haskers," answered the old
gentleman.

The matter was talked over a little more and then the boys and Bert's
father departed, first, however, receiving the warm thanks of Mr.
Fordham for what they had done. In the foyer of the hotel the chums fell
in with Bert.

"Say, I saw that Haskers fellow shoot out of the hotel in a mighty
hurry," he said. "You must have made it hot for him."

"We did," answered Dave. "Where did he go?"

"Up the lake road, as fast as he could walk."

"I wonder where he is stopping?" mused Phil.

"We might take the auto and follow him?" suggested the senator's son.
"There is no hurry about our getting home."

"Let's do it!" cried Dave, for he was as curious as the others
concerning the former teacher of Oak Hall.

"If you don't mind I'll go along," said Bert.

So it was arranged, and letting Mr. Passmore know of their plans they
soon got ready for the trip.

"Now, don't get into any trouble," warned the rug dealer, as they were
about to depart. "That fellow Haskers may be like a rat--very ugly when
cornered."

"We'll keep our eyes open," answered Dave.

Soon the touring-car was rolling over the lake road, in the direction
Job Haskers had taken. The storm had left the road a trifle muddy in
spots, but that was all. Overhead the sky was blue and the sun shone
brightly.

Less than a quarter of a mile was covered when those in the touring-car
saw a figure ahead they knew to be Job Haskers. He was walking along
more slowly now, his head bent down as if in deep thought.

"I suppose he is trying to figure out what to do next," was Phil's
comment. "Wants to locate another sucker--if he can."

"Such a man ought to be in jail," said Bert "He may rob some poor fellow
and do it in a legal way, too,--so that the man won't be able to get
back at him."

Roger had slowed down, so that the touring-car kept well behind the
former teacher. Presently the boys saw Haskers turn up a side road, one
that led to a small hotel, standing on a hill overlooking the lake.

"He's going to the Fenton House," said Bert. "Maybe he is stopping
there."

"Possibly," returned Dave.

Slowly follo