“Then,” said Leonard, “we will know the meaning of the word ‘seven o’clock.’ But how can Snags, if he is captured, be induced to confess.”
“By the promise of pardon,” replied the detective. “There are but few of these rogues that will not turn State’s evidence when a sufficient inducement is held out to them.”
“And poor Carlos,” said Leonard, musingly, “is in ignorance of the progress we are making. His last letter was very desponding.”
“That can’t be helped,” said Mr. Stark. “Jessup has worked to much better advantage in Dalton than if your cousin had known him. There would have been interviews and discussions between them, and perhaps exposure. For Carlos, being the mainly interested party, might have been impatient and officious. Only a detective knows how necessary deliberation and long suffering are at times. And you see the result justifies my course.”
“I see,” said Leonard.
“And now,” said Mr. Stark, “I have some important news to tell you. A suspicious-looking steamer arrived near Rocky Beach early this morning and fired three signal guns, afterward turning about and sailing slowly toward the open sea.”
“This morning!” exclaimed Leonard. “Was it the smugglers’ ship?”
“I suspect so. At any rate, I have telegraphed to Jessup, and the Porter is all ready to sail. The night is going to be dark and rainy—an excellent time for them to run in their goods. I shall expect a message from Jessup by six o’clock.”
“In regard to Haywood?”
“Yes—telling me whether he received any communication from Rocky Beach.”