“What saved them?”
“A launch came along, with a woman in it, and the other man was shoved into it. Marcos was just going to follow when I begged him to come with me. With his usual complaisance, he did what I asked.”
The two rascals indulged in a duet of laughter over this. They little thought that the supposed Prince Marcos was enjoying a joke of much finer texture than their own.
Once on the yacht, the supposed Marcos was shown into a stateroom, where a man who seemed to be the personal servant of Miguel, or Don Solado, or perhaps of both, pointed respectfully to a complete outfit of clothing lying on the bed and chairs.
Nick was glad to see that clean underwear, as well as white shirt, collar, necktie, et cetera, were all included.
“The bathroom adjoins, sir, as you know,” said the man softly. “I have prepared the water about as you like it. If it is too hot or cold, and you would like me to change it, will you kindly touch the bell?”
“If there are faucets at the bathtub, I can change it myself if necessary. Let me see, your name is——”
“Jean, sir!”
“Ah, yes! Jean!” repeated the detective. “Well, that is all at present. I will remember the bell if I want you.”
“Yes, sir. Thank you, sir.”