“Do you remember a passenger named Mah Retto, who sailed with you on the Olivia?” the reporter asked.

“I remember him; yes.  A queer sort of man.  He said but little on the whole voyage.  But was he not lost?  I remember we could not find him when we had all been landed from the wreck.”

“He came ashore first of all,” replied Larry.  “A fisherman and I helped save him from a life-raft,” and he told the circumstances.

“Queer,” murmured the captain.  “I have often thought of that man.  He seemed to have some mystery about him.”

Larry gave a brief account of the case he was working on.

“What I want to discover,” he added, “is whether you know of any reason why Retto should be anxious to see you?”

“To see me?”

“Yes.  He was at the steamship office a few days ago inquiring when your ship would come in, and when he saw me he hurried away.  Since then I have not been able to catch him.”

“Ah!  I know!” exclaimed the captain suddenly.  “I just thought of it.  I have a package belonging to him.”

“A package?”

“Yes.  He came to me when we were a few days out and said he wanted me to keep a package for him until we got to New York.  I took it and put it with my papers.”

“Then I suppose it was lost with the Olivia?”

“No; I brought it ashore with me when I saved my documents and a few valuables from the wreck.  I have it at my hotel.  That is why he is anxious to see me.  He wants to get his package back.  I am glad I have it.”

“Do you know anything about the man?” asked Larry.

“Hardly anything.  I met him for the first time when he was a passenger on my ship.  But now, if you have no objections, we will go ashore.  I must file my reports.  After that I will be glad to see you at my hotel, and answer any questions you care to ask.”

“Well, I guess you’ve told me all you can,” said Larry, feeling a little disappointed at the result of his interview.  “I’m much obliged to you.”

“If you want to get into communication with this man, I have a plan,” suggested the captain.

“What?” asked Larry, eagerly.

“He will probably call at my hotel to claim his package.  When he comes you could be on hand.”

“But there is no telling when he will come.”

“That is so, but you could take a room at the hotel and be there as much as possible.  I think he will come as soon as he learns that my ship is in.”

“That’s a good idea.  I’ll do it!” exclaimed Larry.

“Then let’s hurry ashore, and you can make your arrangements while I finish up the details of the indents, bills of lading, custom lists and so on,” Captain Tantrella said.

The two walked down the gang plank on to the covered dock.  The tangle of wagons, horses and men was worse than ever.  Part of the cargo was being taken out and carted away.