"But it is always locked," I protested, "and Keppel keeps the key upon his chain."
"You must exercise your woman's ingenuity," he laughed. "Already you have proved yourself to be as keen and resourceful as any professional detector of crime. Continue, and we shall succeed."
"If, as you appear to anticipate, we sail to-night, we may not meet again," I remarked. "Shall I address you here in case of necessity?"
"No. Do not write to me. We know not into whose hands the letter might fall," he answered quickly. "We shall meet again, signorina, never fear—in Leghorn, or in some other city. I shall travel by land, you by sea."
"But what causes you to anticipate that the Vispera will leave to-night?" I demanded, for he spoke with such authority that I was puzzled.
"I read certain telegrams which Keppel sent off to-day. I followed him to the telegraph-office, and watched him write. He probably believed that I could not read English. From the messages, it appeared that the Vispera is to go direct from here to Ragusa, in the Adriatic, and thence to Venice."
"Then we are turning back again!" I cried in dismay. "It was understood that we were on our way to Marseilles, where the party was to break up."
"Exactly, but the Vispera's itinerary appears to have now been altered by its eccentric owner, and as soon as possible you will leave for the Adriatic."
"Well," I said frankly, "to tell the truth, I have no desire to go on board again."
"But it is imperative," the old fellow declared quickly; "absolutely imperative! You must not drop your inquiries at this the most critical moment. You must find means to enter that deck-house. Spare no pains, and use every endeavour and every wile to gain your end. We must know what is hidden there."