Steve's reply came without any hesitation. His tone suggested unconcern. Garstaing's dark eyes snapped. Then they smiled their approval. It was that smile which added nothing pleasant to his personality.
"I guessed it was that way from the instructions they handed me," he said. Then he withdrew a bunch of papers from an inner pocket, and opened them, and selected a particular sheet. "Here it is," he said, and promptly read out an extract from the letter. "'You will at once place yourself in touch with the police in your district, and see that the whole matter is investigated—forthwith.'"
He glanced up as he uttered the final word.
"You know what that means?" he enquired, searching the eyes that were so profoundly observing him across the table.
Steve nodded.
"Sure."
"It means you'll have to make the Unaga country right away."
"Sure."
Again came Steve's monosyllabic agreement.
"It means one hell of a long trip," the Agent went on.