“So when I returned to Chief Garth’s house that night I found that Pawlinson had asked him for a man upon a difficult case, and that——”
“Yes, yes. I’ve got you. The same case. Coincidence again, and, as I say, I believe you. You left Portland with what plan?”
“Simply to spot you,” I replied. “You see, I read the steamer’s name on the stern out there in the Sound when you boarded her. I knew her port, for I have sailed on her myself.”
There was a short interval of silence, during which he fitted things together. Then he came out with:
“So Pawlinson followed you to Portland, made his authority known to you, and you worked together after your meeting there?”
“Exactly!”
“But come, finish it! What was the meaning of that disagreement between you alongside the hydroplane?”
“You didn’t catch the motive, then?” I queried.
“Not at all. I was called to the deck only in time to see him lift you clear of the punt, and hurl you overboard. And,” he added, with a smile, “old Steve’s boat hook did the rest.”
“So you haven’t yet tumbled to the reason for quitting the speed boat?”