“Why, Captain Poland, of course,” answered Mr. Blossom. “One would think that it would be paid by check, but in that case the canceled one would come back from the bank, which it has not. It is possible that Mr. Carwell had an account in some other bank, or he may have paid the captain in cash. In either case a receipt would be given, I should say. Captain Poland is the only one who now would know.”
“Then we had better see him,” suggested Colonel Ashley. “Shall we call on him, Viola?”
She hesitated a moment before answering, and then replied in a low voice:
“I think it would be better. We must end this mystery!”
They left LeGrand Blossom and again entered the car. Jean Forette was driving, and the detective again noticed the strange and sudden change in his manner. Whereas he had been morose and sullen the first part of the trip, timid and watchful of every crossing and turning, now he put on full speed and drove with the confidence of an expert.
“He must have had another shot of dope,” mused the colonel. “I'll have to keep an eye on you, my Frenchie, else you may be ramming a stone wall when you're feeling pretty well elated.”
They were half way to the home of Captain Poland when Viola suddenly changed her mind.
“I—I don't believe I care to go to see him,” she said. “Can't you go without me, Colonel Ashley? You can find out better than I can. I—I really don't feel equal to it.”
“Of course, I can,” was the ready answer. “Drive Miss Carwell home, Jean, and then I'll go on to see Captain Poland myself.”
The car was swung around, and was soon in front of The Haven. The colonel, with his usual gallantry, walked with Viola to the steps. As the maid opened the door she said to her mistress: