“Who told you he was aboard my ship?” demanded the captain.
“No one. He slipped out of the court-room this morning before I knew it, and as he cannot be found about the city, it struck me he might be on board some vessel, for he is a sailor. If I find him I shall have him locked up. I am satisfied that he is not here,” said Mr. Heyward, handing the shipping articles to the mate. “I am all ready, Mr. Officer, if you are.”
“I want to ask the captain just one question before I go,” answered the policeman. “How long has your vessel been lying here?”
“About four days.”
“Have you kept a watch on board all the while?”
“Of course I have,” replied the captain testily. “Do you think I am fool enough to leave a ship with a valuable cargo without a watch?”
“I merely asked for information. Those burglars who broke into that jewelry store night before last—you heard about it, didn’t you?”
“Yes. Did they get anything?”
“They made a big haul. There is a heavy reward offered for them, but they have disappeared very mysteriously. We have positive proof that they have not left the city, and it may be that they have concealed themselves on some vessel which they have reason to believe is about to sail.”
“If you think they are here you had better look around,” said the captain. “I don’t want any such passengers with me.”