He could not recall this man.

He was almost sure of never having seen him before.

His shaven face, his eyes of a metallic gray, his elegant pomposity did not enlighten the Spaniard's memory.

Perhaps the unknown had made a mistake.
This must have been the case, judging by the rapidity with which he withdrew his glance from Ferragut and went hastily away.
The captain attached no importance to this encounter.

He had already forgotten it when, taking the car but a few minutes later, it recurred to him in a new light.