“The man who assailed me?”

“Yes.”

“How do you know who assailed me?”

“I know him.”

“How comes it that you are any friend?  Why should you warn me?  Have you known me before?”

“I never saw you until this night to my recollection.”

“Then how is it you take such an interest in me?”

“My interest in you is because of Garcia’s designs, I hate that man.  I am on his track, and I am the friend of any man whom he is against!”

“Are you acquainted with my daughter?” asked the old smuggler in a suspicious tone.

“I never saw your daughter before to-night.”

“How did you know Garcia was coming here?”

“I tracked him.”

“Why did you track him?”

“Because I knew he was up to some villainy,”

“You say the man is my enemy?”

“Would a friend assail you as you have been assailed sailed this night?”

“How do you know Garcia assailed me?”

“I tracked him to this house, and a few moments after he left the house you were found lying unconscious in this room.”

“Where were you when I was assaulted?”

“I was down at the bay shore.”

“What were you doing there?”

“Watching the men whom Garcia brought with him to aid him in his design.”

“This is a strange story you are telling me, young man.  How do I know but you are an enemy?”

“I am not an enemy!”

“But are you an enemy to Garcia?”

“Yes.”

“Why?”

“That is a private matter.”

“Why is he my enemy?”

The young man was silent, but looked toward Renie.

The old smuggler followed the direction of his glance end said: 

“Come, speak out plainly, do not fear!”

“I fear nothing.”

“Then speak.”

The young man reached over the bed and whispered in the old man’s ear: 

“I do not wish to speak in your daughter’s presence.”

“Renie, go from the cabin a few moments, this man has something to tell me.”

The detective signaled to the girl to obey, but the latter showed some hesitancy and said: 

“Father, I do not wish to leave you alone with stranger.”

“You need not fear, child, and you can remain within call.”

“Are you sure this is not the man who assaulted you?”

“Yes, child.  I know well enough who assaulted me; go away, I will call you when I wish you to return.”

The girl went from the room, but at the same time exhibited considerable reluctance.

The detective’s admiration for the girl increased.  He recognized that she was playing a part, and really aiding him in impressing the old man as intended.

When alone, the old smoggier said: 

“Now, speak out, young man!”

“Do you suspect Garcia’s purpose?”

“We are not talking about what I suspect, whale have you to tell me?”