Let's get through with it." The two men walked down the deck together.

They found the Captain alone in his room, with a chart spread out in front of him and a pair of compasses in his hand.

He turned round and greeted them.
"Well ?" "No luck, sir," Quest announced.

"Your steward has given us every assistance possible and we have searched the ship thoroughly.

Unless he has found a hiding place unknown to your steward, and not apparent to us, the man is not on board." The Captain frowned slightly.
"You are not suggesting that that is possible, I suppose ?" Quest did not at once reply.