“I thought so,” observed the captain; “look here.”
“At what? At that little hole into which you have thrust your finger?”
“That little hole is one of the traps that has betrayed you. There is one just like it overlooking my berth.”
“But nobody can see through it.”
“At present, no. Because it is covered on the other side. Remove the cover, and put an enemy’s eye to the hole, and where are your secrets? There is no doubt about it. This fellow has followed you here, and he has now discovered all he came for. It’s lucky for you that we went shares last night, for you would have small chance of getting out of the mess by yourself.”
“Who will this be? Have you any idea?”
“A detective from Scotland Yard, most likely. Employed by the friends of the man who is in gaol.”
“Riddell has a brother who, in my hearing, swore not to let the matter drop. My God, what a fool I am! This is the very man. I wondered what his voice and figure reminded me of. Now I know. This is Harley Riddell’s brother himself. He will tell everything when we get to Malta.”
“How are we to prevent him?”