Page:Guy Boothby--A Bid for Fortune.djvu/244

234 However, all's well that ends well, and as they returned my goods and paid the hire, I must not grumble."

"And now tell me what you know of Draper's present life?" the inspector said.

"Ah! I'm afraid I can tell you little. He has been twice declared bankrupt, and the last time there was some fuss made over his schooner, the Merry Duchess."

"He possesses a schooner, then?"

"Oh, yes! A nice boat. She's in harbour now, I fancy."

"Thank you very much, Mr. Goddard. I am obliged to you for your assistance in this matter."

"Don't mention it. I hope that what I have told you will prove of service to you."

"I'm sure it will. Good-day."

"Good-day, gentlemen."

He accompanied us to the door, and then bade us farewell.

"Now what are we to do?" I asked.

"Well, first, I'm going back to the office to put a man on to find this schooner, and then I'm going to take an hour or two's rest. By that time we shall know enough to be able to lay our hands on Dr. Nikola and his victim, I hope."

"God grant we may."

"Where are you going now?"

"Back to Potts Point," I answered.

We thereupon bade each other farewell, and set off in different directions.

When I reached Mr. Wetherell's house, I learned from the butler that his master had fallen asleep in the library. So, not wishing to disturb him, I enquired for my own bedroom, and, on being conducted to it, laid myself down dressed upon the bed. So utterly worn