CHAPTER VIII.
THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP Hanaud walked away from the Villa Rose in the company of Wethermill and Ricardo.
"We will go and lunch," he said.
"Yes; come to my hotel," said Harry Wethermill.

But Hanaud shook his head.
"No; come with me to the Villa des Fleurs," he replied.

"We may learn something there; and in a case like this every minute is of importance.
We have to be quick." "I may come too ?" cried Mr.Ricardo eagerly.
"By all means," replied Hanaud, with a smile of extreme courtesy.
"Nothing could be more delicious than monsieur's suggestions"; and with that remark he walked on silently.
Mr.Ricardo was in a little doubt as to the exact significance of the words.

But he was too excited to dwell long upon them.

Distressed though he sought to be at his friend's grief, he could not but assume an air of importance.