"In all my life I have never heard so strange a tale.

But the man must be caught.

He cannot have gone far, if, as you say, he was here at Lantrig only the night before last.

I expect they are on the look-out for him down at Polkimbra since they have heard the captain's statement; but all the same I will send off Joe Roscorla, who is below, to make sure.

I must have a pipe, Jasper, to think this over.