"So you see, Mr. Stubbs, we are not coming back in such a hurry after
all," said Hal.

"We're not there yet," mumbled Stubbs. "An hour is an hour. We've been
altogether too lucky, if you ask me. It's about time something happened."

"Croaking again, eh?" said Chester. "I never saw a fellow like you
before. You see trouble in everything."

"So I do--when I'm with you," declared Stubbs. "It's been my experience
that wherever you and Hal happen to be, there also is trouble. I'm a
peaceable man, I am. I believe in taking all precautions. But here we go,
walking along as though we were on your uncle's farm. No thought of
danger among any of you. But I've got a hunch--"

"You've always got a hunch," Hal interrupted.

"Well, all right," said Stubbs. "Just remember I've warned you."

They continued on their way in silence.

"To tell the truth, we have been remarkably fortunate," declared Colonel
Edwards. "I had expected to bump into some of Nicolas' friends before
this. It's funny."

"It's not too late yet," said Stubbs.

"Mr. Stubbs," said Chester, with some exasperation, "if you--"