Part 47 (2/2)

”The s.h.i.+p shall be searched,” the Captain declared, ”once more. We'll look into every crack and every cupboard.”

Lenora turned away with a little s.h.i.+ver. It was one of her rare moments of weakness.

”You won't find him! You won't ever find him!” she murmured. ”And I am afraid!”

Lenora grasped the rails of the steamer and glanced downwards at the great barge full of Arab sailors and merchandise. In the near background were the docks of Port Said. It was their first glimpse of Eastern atmosphere and colour.

”I can't tell you how happy I am,” she declared to Quest, ”to think that this voyage is over. Every night I have gone to bed terrified.”

He smiled grimly.

”Things have been quiet enough the last few days,” he said. ”There's Harris on this barge. Look at Laura waving to him!”

The Scotland Yard man only glanced up at them. He was occupied in leaning over towards Laura, who was on the deck below.

”If you said the word,” he called out, ”I wouldn't be going back, Miss Laura. I'd stick to the s.h.i.+p fast enough.”

She laughed at him gaily.

”Not you! You're longing for your smoky old London already. You cut it out, my friend. You're a good sort, and I hope we'll meet again some day.

But--”

She shook her head at him good-humouredly. He turned away, disappointed, and waved his hand to Lenora and Quest on the upper deck.

”Coming on sh.o.r.e, any of you?” he enquired.

”We may when the boat moves up,” Quest replied. ”The Professor went off on the first barge. Here he is, coming back.”

A little boat had shot out from the docks, manned by a couple of Arabs.

They could see the Professor seated in the stern. He was poring over a small doc.u.ment which he held in his hand. He waved to them excitedly.

”He's got news!” Quest muttered.

With much shouting the boat was brought to the side of the barge. The Professor was hauled up. He stumbled blindly across towards the gangway and came up the steps with amazing speed. He came straight to Quest and Lenora and gripped the former by the arm.

”Look!” he cried. ”Look!”

He held out a card. Quest read it aloud:--

”There is not one amongst you with the wit of a Mongar child.

Good-bye!”

”THE HANDS!”

”Where did you get it?” Quest demanded.

<script>