The captain lolled in pajamas on his lanai. He greeted his callers with interest.
"You boys are out late," he said. "Something doing?"
"Certainly is," replied John Quincy, taking a proffered chair. "There's a man named Saladine—"
At mention of the name, Hallet looked at him keenly. John Quincy went on to tell what he knew of Saladine, his alleged place of residence, his business, the tragedy of the lost teeth.
"Some time ago we got on to the fact that every time Kaohla figured in the investigation, Saladine was interested. He managed to be at the desk of the Reef and Palm the day Kaohla inquired for Brade. On the night Kaohla was questioned by your men, Miss Egan saw Mr. Saladine crouching outside the window. So Charlie and I thought it a good scheme to send a cable of inquiry to the postmaster at Des Moines, where Saladine claimed to be in the wholesale grocery business." He handed an envelope to Hallet. "That answer arrived to-night," he added.
An odd smile had appeared on Hallet's usually solemn face. He took the cable and read it, then slowly tore it into bits.
"Forget it, boys," he said calmly.
"Wha—what!" gasped John Quincy.
"I said forget it. I like your enterprise, but you're on the wrong trail there."
John Quincy was greatly annoyed. "I demand an explanation," he cried.