"Did ye ever see silver forks an' sugar-tongs growin' in a garden before?"
"Eh?" exclaimed the other, entering the garden hastily; "let me see. Oho! this may throw some light on the matter. Did you find them here?"
"Ay, on this very spot."
"Hum. Ruby went away last night, I believe?"
"He did."
"Some time after midnight?" enquired the detective.
"Likely enough," said the captain, "but my chronometer ain't quite so reg'lar since we left the sea; it might ha' bin more,—mayhap less."
"Just so. You saw him off?"
"Ay; but you seem more than or'nar inquisitive today——"
"Did he carry a bundle?" interrupted the detective.