The jovial captain was not to be heard of anywhere at first.
But Joe Deering, baffled here, like a skilled mariner as he was, set out on another tack.
He made his inquiries for Mr. Murray alone.
"Where one thief is," said Joe, to himself, "the other murdering scoundrel is sure to be not far off."
For some time his search proved unavailing again; but he was presently rewarded for his perseverance by the first gleam of good luck.
He learnt the late address of Murray senior.
"This is a step in the right direction," said Joe Deering, with a chuckle.
So with renewed hope he went to the house.
"Mr. Murray ain't been home for many months, sir," said the housekeeper, in reply to Deering's inquiry, "and I haven't any news of him since goodness knows when."
"You don't mean that?" said Deering, aghast.