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customer.
    They were told in each case that the company would check and let them know.
    â€œNow all we can do is wait,” Frank said.
    The next day the boys stayed at home all morning, but no telephone calls came from the paper manufacturers. At lunchtime Joe said, “While we’re waiting, let’s investigate that man Gene Moran told us about yesterday—the one who might be a ship’s captain.”
    â€œOkay. How about trying the Bayport waterfront again? Maybe the owner of that restaurant where we saw Ragu can give us a clue.”
    The Hardys drove to the docks and headed for the eating place. When they questioned the proprietor about a tall, cruel-looking sea captain, he grinned and shouted to two men who were busily eating steaks at a table in a far corner of the room.
    â€œThese boys are looking for a tall, cruel-looking captain, men. Either one of you like to take the job?”
    â€œWhat’s it for?” asked one. Then laughing loudly, he said, “A high school play?”
    Chagrined, the Hardys headed for the door. To their amazement they heard the restaurant man remark, “The Hardy boys. Their pop’s a big-time detective.”
    â€œHey, Zeke! We’ll have to watch our step!”
    Raucous laughter followed as the boys left. They visited other spots along the waterfront but saw no likely suspect. Finally they paused near a small fishing craft. A jovial-looking man called down to them from the upper deck:
    â€œAre you the lads who are huntin’ for a cruel-lookin’ skipper?”
    â€œHow’d you hear about it?” asked Joe.
    â€œJoke’s all up and down the waterfront,” the man told them. “Just the same, if I was lookin’ for a fellow of that stripe, I’d check with Captain Flont of the Daisy K.”
    The Daisy K again, the Hardys thought excitedly.
    â€œWas Captain Flont’s boat out at sea yesterday?” Frank queried.
    â€œNo. She was tied to her bollards all day. I can swear to that, since I didn’t leave port either.”
    â€œWas the captain aboard the Daisy K ?” Joe asked.
    â€œNot until late in the evening.”
    The Hardys thanked the man and hurried to the anchorage of the Daisy K. As they drew closer, they spotted Captain Flont in the deckhouse. Ragu was lounging on the rear deck.
    Frank and Joe halted at the gangway, and with nautical courtesy, Frank called, “Ahoy, the Daisy K. May we come aboard?”
    Captain Flont leaned out the window and said harshly, “If you’ve got business with us, come aboard. But make it snappy!”
    When the boys stepped onto the deck, Ragu looked up with an insolent stare. They peered at him intently in return, but the mate did not flinch.
    As Captain Flont approached the Hardys, Frank decided that the best way to obtain information was through a ruse. Choosing his words carefully, he said, “We’re trying to locate a couple of our friends who were going fishing with you yesterday.”
    â€œWe didn’t go fishing yesterday,” Captain Flont replied quickly.
    â€œOh, then maybe you were the captain who was in Smith’s woods yesterday,” Joe broke in.
    Flont scowled. “I wasn’t in any woods. Now get off this ship!”
    The Hardys held their ground. “How about your man Ragu?” Frank asked. “Was he there?”
    At this, Ragu stalked up behind them. “I was with Captain Flont yesterday,” he growled. “We were on ship’s business.”
    â€œNow you have your answers,” the skipper shouted. “Get off my ship!”
    Frank and Joe did not move quickly enough to suit the captain. His shout had aroused the other two crew members, who came up from below. They gripped the unwanted callers by the elbows and rushed them off the vessel. The boys were thrown forcibly onto the dock.
    As the sailors returned to the gangplank, Frank and Joe heard one of them mutter, “It’s