"Of course," agreed the agent. "But we can't prove it. Law demands proof. If we only had that boat, with the schooner's name on, it would serve."
Suddenly there came a hail from the crippled launch which was being brought in under oars.
"Mr. Nagge there?"
"Yes, Svenson," was the reply, "what is it?"
"They smashed our engine all to bits," answered the engineer of the boat, "but we've just picked up another boat, empty."
"That's the boat," said the agent with satisfaction in his voice. "Now we've got them!"
A smile, a very faint smile, crossed the features of the Japanese leader.
"What's the name on the stern of the boat?" the agent called.
There was a moment's pause, then came the answer in tones of deep disgust: