“Who delivered them to you?” I inquired.
“The two gentlemen who brought you on board,” he responded.
“Have any of your men described them to you?”
“They only said that they were both well dressed, and about middle age.”
They were, without doubt, the Tempter and his accomplice. The conspiracy had been conceived and carried out with amazing ingenuity.
“And they brought the doctor on board and delivered this letter?”
“Yes, sir. They afterwards re-entered the carriage and drove away.”
“Well,” said the Consul, “the only course I see is for the doctor to take this letter, return to London, and seek an explanation of your owners.”
“No, sir, I shan’t give up the letter. It’s written to me,” demurred the captain.
“But it is in my hands,” responded the Consul. “I am making inquiries into this affair, and I shall act as I think best in the interest of all parties concerned. The letter is your property, certainly; but recollect that this affair may prove very awkward for your owners. Therefore, take my advice, Captain, and assist this gentleman in his inquiries.”