Suddenly, with a low growl, Bim started across the street.

His master was just in time to see a man spring into the open doorway of a store, and slam the door to as the dog leaped furiously against it.
The glimpse he caught of the man's face was like a lightning flash, but it was enough.

He knew him to be the raftsman who had kicked Bim, and whom he had rescued from the dog's teeth at Mandrake, more than a week before.

"He is one of those scoundrels who stole the _Venture_, and if I can only trace him I'll find the raft," thought the young man, as he dashed across the street after Bim.
Seizing the dog's collar, and bidding him be quiet, he opened the door of the store and stepped inside.

There was no one to be seen, save the proprietor and two or three startled-looking clerks.
"Where is he ?" demanded Billy Brackett, hurriedly.