Beverley shook his head.
"Not to my knowledge," he replied. "Jack is one of the best, absolutely."
"Perhaps you were the intended victim," suggested Claverhouse.
"Oh!" ejaculated Harborough. "I won't contradict your supposal; but on what grounds, might I ask, do you make your assumption?"
"The faked message was addressed to you," replied Alec.
"Perhaps you're right," replied Harborough thoughtfully. "But it doesn't say much for the other fellows' intelligence department—mistaking Villiers for me. However, we must inform the police."
"The police?" echoed Beverley, bearing in mind Sir Hugh's reluctance on a previous occasion to communicate with the law.
"Unfortunately, yes," replied the baronet. "It is regrettable from a professional point of view, but we owe it to Jack Villiers. Hallo! The Geier has gone."
The Swedish-owned tramp had vanished from her accustomed berth. In her place lay a vessel very similar, even to the funnel-markings.
"Suppose you didn't notice her go down stream, Beverley?" inquired Harborough.