“That Juan Padillo left the vessel soon after her arrival yesterday and in company with a man who used your name,” said Nick, interrupting.
“Good heavens!” Mantell exclaimed, with a gasp. “How did you know that?”
“Your anxiety, coupled with the fact that Padillo was to remain on the vessel until you called for him, admits of no other deductions,” Nick replied evasively.
“You are right, Carter, perfectly right,” Mantell said, with a groan. “Padillo left the vessel about six o’clock last evening, taking with him the suit case containing his plunder.”
“With a man who used your name?”
“Yes.”
“Who informed you?”
“The captain of the vessel.”
“What more could he tell you?”
“Only that Padillo had, as I then could judge, carefully followed the directions Vandyke had given him. Captain Macy evidently knew nothing about the contents of the suit case, and he said it was the only piece of luggage the Mexican had, and that he had taken it ashore. He could give me only a vague description of the man who called for him, and said that Padillo appeared relieved and eager to accompany him. They left from the head of the wharf in a touring car, and——”