The detective nodded—not completely convinced.
"Where is this colored man now?" was his question.
It seemed to Maria Theresa that they were getting hopelessly into the toils. She was discouraged, as she glanced at the imperturbable Jarvis. He nodded ever so slightly, and she caught her cue.
"He is in stateroom 729," she said.
"All right. I'll look at him. 729? Thanks, miss. You know, this ain't personal at all. I'm just taking the chief's orders. I'm sorry to bother you."
He walked toward the door with the dignified flat-footed gait which distinguishes the Manhattan sleuth and all others in the world.
"Good-by, miss. Watch that maniac, do! He looks like a bad actor to me."
They were gone, and Maria Theresa sank into a chair weakly. Jarvis energetically sprang to the telephone.
"Hello! Give me room 729."
After a pause he continued: "Hello, hello, hello, Rusty! Yes, Rusty. Damn it all, answer me, do you hear me?"