“And you say that last night when the kidnapping occurred, you and your father were alone.”
“Why, yes, Father had given our employes forty-eight hours shore leave.”
“Wasn’t that rather unusual?”
“No, we frequently stay here alone,” Enid declared. “All of the men but one live at Cheltham Bay and whenever we anchor Father usually gives them a day or so off duty.”
The detective digested this information in silence. He conferred with his companion and then questioned Enid again.
“Did your father keep large sums of money or valuables aboard?”
“Not to my knowledge. He was always afraid of being robbed.”
“Have you heard him express any such fear recently, Miss Burnett?”
“N-o.” Enid hesitated and then went on: “But I will say he hasn’t acted exactly like himself the past month.”
“In what way do you mean?”