For two days Dick devoted himself to a thorough examination of the surrounding country, quartering it thoroughly either on foot or in the Mohawk. He could however see nothing in the least suspicious.
Then came a surprise.
His only method of receiving news from the others was to “listen in” on the wireless telegraph set with which the Mohawk was fitted for messages which, directed to an address in England, were handed to the Christiansand radio station for dispatch, but were really intended for him. These messages were handed in at eight o’clock precisely and Dick usually got them within half an hour.
On the third day of his watch came the message:
“Sailor located. Travelling north with pack mules. We follow. Osterluis road.”
The man, as he was to learn later, had been spotted by Yvette in Christiansand. She had seen him leave a small café much frequented by sailors, and had been struck by his likeness to the description given by Simmons. She had followed him for some time while he made a variety of purchases at numerous shops, and had been struck by the fact that a mere sailor should evidently have such a large sum of money at his disposal. Luckily she had encountered Simmons, who at once recognised the man and had promptly disappeared to avoid arousing his suspicions.
Yvette was able to learn that all the man’s purchases were being delivered to a small inn on the outskirts of the town, and a few inquiries showed that he had four mules stationed there.
The matter began now to clear up. They were sure of the man; at least he could not leave without his mules and stores. Jules and Scott took up the watch at the inn, while Yvette shadowed the suspect. It was thought best that Simmons should not appear. It soon became evident that the man had no associates in Christiansand. All he did was to visit shops, paying cash for all his purchases and having them sent to the inn where his mules were stabled.
The next day, with his mules heavily loaded, he set out from Christiansand, taking the road to Trygstand and Ostersluis.
Yvette, Jules, and Scott decided to follow him on foot. To have taken horses would have told him he was being followed as soon as he left the road, as they were pretty sure he would, sooner or later. Luckily all three were splendid walkers and felt they would have no trouble in keeping up with the heavily-laden mules. Cramming a few necessities into rucksacks they were soon on the track of their quarry.