Jack waited to tell his adventures till they were all at breakfast. Then
Billy and Ned had to tell their stories.

"Well, you boys certainly have your share of adventures," remarked the
Senator, "but the most important thing now is to secure the apprehension
of those rascals without delay. We had better call up the steamship
company at Baltimore and find out if anyone called Jenkins or Thompson,
I think those are the aliases they gave at the tenement house, are among
the passengers."

This was done at once, but to the intense chagrin of all concerned, the
telephone company had seized that early hour of the day to repair some
wires which had been knocked down in a thunderstorm near Baltimore the
night before. It was impossible to communicate with that city till some
hours later.

"We might telegraph," suggested Jack.

"Yes, I'll call a messenger at once. But I doubt even then that we'll be
in time," said the Senator.

The telegram was sent, but before a reply came they were able to use the
telephone.

"Hullo, is this the Italian-American steamship Company?--all right--are
three passengers, two men and a boy, booked on the _Southern Star_ as
Jenkins and Thompson,--they are,--good, this is Senator Rivers talking,
from Washington,--those men are criminals,--they have robbed the
government of valuable documents--summon the police and have them
arrested and held--I'll take full responsibility--WHAT!--The _Southern
Star_ sailed two hours ago!"

The senator dropped the receiver from his hand in his disappointment.

"Too late! The code is lost to the United States for good, and those
rascals have escaped!"

But Jack suddenly sprang forward. His cheeks were aflame with
excitement.

"Senator," he cried. "There is still a chance."

"I fail to see it," said Mr. Rivers.

"Get the line on the wire again, sir, and find out if the _Southern
Star_ has a wireless."

"But what--Jove, boy! I see your plan now."

Eagerly the Senator snatched up the receiver again. Before long
connection was again established.

"The _Southern Star_ has a wireless," he exclaimed. "Her call is S. X.
A., and now for your plan, my boy."

"Show me to your wireless room, will you, Ned?" said Jack, subduing the
excitement in his voice with a struggle.

"Oh, Jack, I see what you're going to do now," cried Ned. "Come on. We
don't want to lose a minute."

The boys dashed up the stairs three at a time. The Senator followed at a
more discreet pa