The police are now searching for traces of them." "But could not you have detained the vessel ?" I suggested.
"Of course, had I but known I could have forbidden her departure.

But as her owner had presented himself at the Consulate, and was recognized as a respectable person, I felt that I could not interfere without some tangible information--and that, alas! has come too late.

The vessel is a swift one, and has already seven hours start of us.

I've asked the Admiral to send out a couple of torpedo-boats after her, but, unfortunately, this is impossible, as the flotilla is sailing in an hour to attend the naval review at Spezia." I told him how the Consul's safe had been opened during the night, and he sat listening with wide-open eyes.
"You dined with them last night," he said at last.

"They may have surreptitiously stolen your keys." "They may," was my answer.