“I am sorry to disturb you,” said one.

“Not at all,” said the other, whose tone, I thought afterwards, betokened surprise, and no great cheerfulness.

“But I have had no other opportunity to speak with you.”

“No,” said the other, rather uneasily.

Suddenly my senses were alert, and I knew that Mr. Trevor had pulled the detective out of bed.  The senator had no doubt anticipated an easier time, and he now began feeling for an opening.  More than once he cleared his throat to commence, while Mr. Drew pulled his scant clothing closer about him, his whiskers playing in the breeze.

“In Cincinnati, Mr. Drew,” said Mr. Trevor, at length, “I am a known, if not an influential, citizen; and I have served my state for three terms in its Senate.”

“I have visited your city, Mr. Trevor,” answered Mr. Drew, his teeth chattering audibly, “and I know you by reputation.”

“Then, sir,” Mr. Trevor continued, with a flourish which appeared absolutely grotesque in his attenuated costume, “it must be clear to you that I cannot give my consent to a flagrant attempt by an unscrupulous person to violate the laws of this country.”

“Your feelings are to be respected, sir.”

Mr. Trevor cleared his throat again. 
“Discretion is always to be observed, Mr. Drew.  And I, who have been in
the public service, know the full value of it.”

Mr. Trevor leaned forward, at the same time glancing anxiously up at the tree, for fear, perhaps, that Mr. Cooke might be concealed therein.  He said in a stage whisper: 

“A criminal is concealed on this island.”

Drew started perceptibly.

“Yes,” said Mr. Trevor, with a glance of triumph at having produced an impression on a detective, “I thought it my duty to inform you.  He has been hidden by the followers of the unscrupulous person I referred to, in a cave, I believe.  I repeat, sir, as a man of unimpeachable standing, I considered it my duty to tell you.”

“You have my sincere thanks, Mr. Trevor,” said Drew, holding out his hand, “and I shall act on the suggestion.”

Mr. Trevor clasped the hand of the detective, and they returned quietly to their respective tents.  And in course of time I followed them, wondering how this incident might affect our morning’s expedition.

CHAPTER XIV

My first thought on rising was to look for the detective.  The touch of the coming day was on the lake, and I made out the two boats dimly, riding on the dead swell and tugging idly at their chains.  The detective had been assigned to a tent which was occupied by Mr. Cooke and the Four, and they were sleeping soundly at my entrance.  But Drew’s blankets were empty.  I hurried to the beach, but the Scimitar’s boat was still drawn up there near the Maria’s tender, proving that he was still on the island.

Outside of the ladies’ tent I came upon Miss Thorn, stowing a large basket.  I told her that we had taken that precaution the night before.