"There's another matter I want to mention," said the Commander-in-Chief. "I think you stated that a Silas Somebody was acting as a sort of intermediary, and that he was going to hide part of the pirates' booty to the benefit of himself and—let me see, who is it?" He broke off to refer to a type-written report of the previous evening's evidence. "Ah, Pengelly; that's the man. You've no idea where the place is?"
"My friend Vyse might be able to give you additional information, sir."
"Then I'll have a wire sent to him," decided the admiral. "Perhaps he would be able to assist us while you are on particular service afloat."
"I think he'd be delighted to do so, sir," replied Broadmayne.
"Very well, then. You can carry on with your leave for a few days, but I wish you to be present when Mr. Vyse is here. We have your address?" At two the same afternoon, Broadmayne was "rung up" from the dockyard, the message stating that Mr. Vyse had arranged to call at Admiralty House at three; would Mr. Broadmayne be present?
Rollo Vyse was able to give some important information, namely, the number of the Fairy—PZ 4452b. Communicating by telephone with the Registrar of Shipping at Penzance, it was found that the owner's name was Silas Porthoustoc, and that he lived just outside the village of Mousehole. The registrar also added the somewhat disconcerting information that the individual under discussion was dead and buried, and that his house was to be sold by public auction on the following Monday.
"But I don't suppose, sir," he concluded, "that that will interest you."
"Won't it, by Jove!" exclaimed the Commander-in-Chief, when Penzance exchange had "rung off." "It will. It rather simplifies matters. If we can lay our hands on the specie or bullion without the public getting wind of it, so much the better for us, and so much the worse for that scoundrel Pengelly. By the bye, the Captain Cain, as he calls himself; do you know by any chance what his name is? Is it Trevorrick?"
"I've never heard him called by the name, sir," replied Broadmayne, while Vyse replied in a similar strain.
"Because," continued the admiral, "if it were Trevorrick, then we've fixed the precious pair. They ran a shipbreaking concern on the river Fal. Of course, it is only a surmise. There are heaps of Pengellys in the West Country. I know several, and they are men of unimpeachable character. Very well, Mr. Vyse; if you'll be so kind as to put your services at the Admiralty's disposal, I think you'll see the end of the Porthoustoc business."