If the voice attracted Larry the sight of the man himself did more to rivet his attention. For the first glance showed him the inquirer was none other than the mysterious individual, Mah Retto.
"I would like to inquire where I can find Captain Tantrella of the steamer Olivia," the man asked of the clerk.
"The Olivia is lost," replied the steamship clerk.
"I know it, but I would like to see the captain. He was saved, I believe."
"Yes, he was. He commands a freight ship now. She's due in port in a few days. The Turtle is her name. You can come around when she gets in."
The mysterious man turned away as though disappointed. As he did so he caught sight of Larry, and instantly he hurried out of the office.
Larry was greatly excited. He was convinced, more than ever, that there was something in this man's actions that made him an object of suspicion. He felt that he must follow the fellow, but he could not leave Grace. He looked around for her, but she had gone to the ladies' dressing room to adjust her veil and hat, which had been blown about by the high wind. She came back presently, to find Larry much agitated.
"What is the matter?" she asked.
"Nothing much," replied Larry. "I just saw my queer stranger again and——"
"You'd like to follow him, and you don't want to leave me," put in Grace with quick wit. "Now run right along. I can go to that hotel all by myself and see Captain Padduci. I'm not a bit afraid. I once traveled from London to Paris alone. You hurry after him, and I'll see the captain. I'll telephone you the result of my interview. You can come up and see me this evening, and we'll talk over some more plans."