staying at
this hotel," said Dave, after the announcement made by Ben. "Let us
interview the proprietor without delay."

He and his chums hurried back into the hotel and there met not only
the proprietor but also his son.

"See here, have you anybody staying here who looks like me?" demanded
our hero of both of them.

"Sure, we've got a fellow who looks like you," declared the
hotel-keeper's son before his father could speak. "It's a Mr. Jones.
He has a room up on the third floor. He's here with an older man named
Brown."

"I wish you would take me up to their room!" cried Dave, quickly.

"Why! what's the matter now?"

"I want to find out whether that fellow is still here. If he is I want
him placed under arrest." And then Dave related a few of the
particulars concerning Ward Porton and his doings.

"That certainly is a queer story," remarked the hotel proprietor.
"I'll go upstairs with you."

He led the way, followed by Dave and his chums. The youths were much
astonished to see him halt at the door next to their own.

"They don't seem to be there, or otherwise they are sleeping pretty
soundly," remarked the hotel proprietor, after he had knocked on the
door several times.

"I guess you had better unlock the door," suggested Dave. "I rather
think you will find the room empty."

A key was secured from one of the maids and the door was opened. The
proprietor gave one look into the apartment.

"Gone!" he exclaimed. "Say! do you think they have run away?"

"That's just exactly what I do think," answered Dave. "And that fellow
who looks like me most likely took my cap and overcoat."

"And you say his name is Porton? He signed our register as William
Jones."

"Here's his hat and coat," announced Phil, opening the door to a
closet. "Pretty poor clothing he left you in return for yours, Dave,"
continued the shipowner's son, after an inspection.

The hotel proprietor was very wrathy, declaring that Porton and his
companion owed him for three days' board.

"They're swindlers, that's what they are!" he cried. "Just wait till I
land on them! I'll put them in jail sure!"

"I'd willingly give you that board money just to get my hands on Ward
Porton," announced Dave. He turned to his chums. "This sure is the
limit! First he goes to the stores and gets a lot of things in my name
and then he steals my hat and overcoat right from under my nose!"

"Yes, and that isn't the worst of it," declared Roger. "There is no