"I do not think so," said Brett. "I imagine it would be wasted effort. By this time the Belles Sœurs is well out to sea. She can go in a dozen different directions. She may beat along the coast towards Toulon and the Riviera. She can make towards Corsica, Sardinia, the Balearic Islands, Spain, or the mouth of the Rhone. She will certainly not show any lights, and I personally feel that although there is, perhaps, a thousand to one chance we might fall in with her, it will be far better for our purpose to remain quietly here and await developments in Paris."
"Anyhow," remarked Fairholme, convinced that his proposal was impracticable, "it will be an easy matter for the authorities to ascertain the port that she arrives at."
Brett shook his head dubiously.
"I have my doubts on that point," he said. "The man who has thus far kept himself so easily ahead of all pursuers, and exhibited such a wealth of resource in his methods, may well be trusted to cover up his tracks effectually. There is even a possibility that the Belles Sœurs will never be seen again, and that her number will long remain vacant on the shipping register of Marseilles. However, we shall see."
"Then, Mr. Brett," put in Edith quietly, with a tired smile, "I suppose we may go to bed?"
"Most certainly, Miss Talbot. You have earned your rest more than any of us to-night," he answered.
He held out his hand to wish her good-night, but she demanded with some surprise, "What are you going to do? Surely you want some sleep?"
"I will remain here," he said. "I have bribed the hall-porter to keep awake, and I may be wanted on the telephone at any moment."
"Then I will stop with you," cried Fairholme.
"And I too," chimed in Talbot.