Evidently they intended to lose no time.

The accident, the period of my unconsciousness, had left the villains ample opportunity in which to carry out the details of their devilish plot.

The silence had convinced them of my death, leaving them nothing to fear, no opposition to guard against.

Doubtless the Beaucaire property was already legally in Kirby's possession, and any possible chance I might have once had to foil him in his nefarious purpose had now completely vanished.
To be sure I had reasoned out no definite means whereby I could circumvent his theft, except to take legal advice, confer with Governor Clark, and warn those threatened girls of their danger.

But now it was too late even to do this.