"
"I reckon you've been deceived," said Garcia.
"How so?"
"That gal has known more of this man than you think. She
would not warn a stranger that his life, was in peril,
especially when that stranger was her father's foe."
"Well, it don't make any difference. She will never see him
again!"
"We can't tell about that."
"What do you mean?"
"I'll bet a thousand dollars the man didn't go off on the
cruise tonight!"
"Yes, he did."
"Did you see him aboard?"
"No: but I know he went."
"That girl would know that the letter was lost."
"Yes, very likely."
"Well, she'd take some other measures to warn the man; you've
been deceived, old man!"
"I hope you're mistaken, or it will be bad for Renie. I tell
you the men will be raging mad if the detective slips through
their nets to-night."
"They will be, and now you recognize the necessity of turning
the girl over to me."
"I've been thinking over that matter."
"You remember what I promised you?"
"Yes, yes; but suppose he should come?"
"Who should come?"
The old smuggler had spoken the words in a thoughtful manner,
and the question was really addressed to himself. The old
smuggler recognised that he had made a startling admission and
remained silent.
Garcia said:
"I suppose you mean the day might come when someone will
appear to claim the girl, and you will lose a large sum of
money?"
"No; no; you do not know what I mean, you have never heard the
girl's strange history.
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