He obtained consent to go with a plain-clothes man to a nearby restaurant for a "bite to eat." In the meantime he was to send a messenger boy with a note to an influential friend in Brooklyn, requesting him to hurry over and give security for their appearance.

If this failed, they were to go to a hotel under guard.
"The only thing that sounds fishy about your story, Mr.Smith, is that you say you are brother and sister," said the captain.

"Driving all afternoon in the park with your own sister?
Queer." "She's from Missouri, you know," said Hugh with a fine inspiration.

The captain laughed, even though he was not convinced.
"Now, Grace, dear," said Hugh as they waited for the cab to be called, "our adventure is on in dead earnest.

We have to give this plain-clothes man the slip and get aboard the _Saint Cloud_ before they have time to think.