"And did he never give you any data?"
"He never did; on the contrary, he informed me that it was a hopeless case unless accident should open up the mystery."
Jack, as our readers know who have read of his previous exploits, possessed a wonderful faculty of discernment and a very clear and penetrating astuteness. He was a born detective, and this natural gift in the direction of solving mysteries had led him to become one. As stated, he became very thoughtful—indeed, he said to the banker:
"Excuse me, sir, but let me think a few moments—yes, think while the incidents of your remarkable narrative are fresh in my mind."
"Certainly," said the banker; "and let me tell you I have hopes that you will succeed."
"You have?"
"Yes."
"What leads you to hope?"
"The gentleman who referred me to you said, 'If any man on earth can solve the mystery, Jack Alvarez is the man.'"
"He was very kind to speak so highly of me."