she should be awash in a heavy sea she would be none the worse for it, because, with her turrets closed and locked, not a drop of water could get inside the hull.”

“Where did she go?”

“Straight out into the Sound. I have told you that the tide had swung us so our bow was pointing that way. The pirate crept in upon us while I was sitting there aft, smoking and dreaming. He probably came in under very little power, so that he was actually alongside before I could hear a sound. I even doubt if I would have seen her if I had happened to look in that direction. And now, Nick, you have got the whole story. What do you think about it?”

“I haven’t heard the count’s version of the affair yet,” said the detective, smiling.

“Mine?” replied the count, stroking his imperial, and showing his splendid teeth. “I am afraid, Mr. Carter, that I can add very little to what has already been said. At the present moment I can recall only one detail which seems to have escaped the others.”

“And what is that, if you please?” asked the detective.

“I noticed merely that the pirate’s hair was very[31] light in color—about what you would select for your idea of a Norwegian viking; but I also noticed that his eyes were very dark—black, I should say, although the holes in his mask did not give much of an opportunity to view them. But, if I am correct, the combination would suggest, would it not, that the hair was a wig, and that his own natural crown was black?”

[31]

“Quite so,” said Nick.

“And now tell us what you think about it,” insisted Maxwell Kane.

“I think as you do,” replied the detective, smiling; “that you were visited by a pirate, who has succeeded in injuring your feelings much more than he did your purse. But now I want you to answer some questions which occur to me; and after that—well, after that we’ll see what can be done.”

[32]

[32]

CHAPTER III. “THAT FELLOW WHO LOOKS LIKE ME.”

“THAT FELLOW WHO LOOKS LIKE ME.”

 Prev. P 19/145 next