In the middle was the signature--the clenched hands! Quest read the message aloud-- "In the great scheme of things, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe divided an inheritance amongst His children.

To one He gave power, to another strength, to another beauty, but to His favourites He gave cunning." They all looked at one another.
"What does it mean ?" Lenora gasped.
"A lifebuoy!" the Professor murmured.
They both stared at Quest, who remained silent, chewing hard at the end of his cigar.
"Every message," he said, speaking half to himself, "has had some significance.

What does this mean--a lifebuoy ?" He was silent for a moment.

Then he turned suddenly to the Professor.
"What did you call those men in the motor-truck, Professor--river pirates?
And a lifebuoy! Wait." He crossed the room towards his desk and returned with a list in his hand.
He ran his finger down it, stopped and glanced at the date.
"The _Durham_," he muttered, "cargo cotton, destination Southampton, sails at high tide on the 16th.

Lenora, is that calendar right ?" "It's the 16th, Mr.Quest," she answered.
Quest crossed the room to the telephone.
"I want Number One Central, Exchange," he said.