“You could get it from Finisterre if she passed within sight, but by her holding on as far west as the Lizard, instead of taking a departure from the Start, it is likely that she will take a more westerly course, and then Cape St. Vincent is the first point where she is likely to be noticed.  If not there, she would probably be observed at Tarifa, although, if she kept on the southern side of the Straits, she might not be noticed.  I should think that she would do so; she would not be likely to put into Gibraltar, although, from what you tell me, the owner would believe that no suspicion whatever of being concerned in this affair would be likely to rest upon him.  But you must bear in mind that it is probable that, as a measure of precaution, he has painted out the white streak, sent down the yards, and converted her into a fore-and-aft schooner; in which case she would attract no attention whatever if she passed without making her number.”

“I certainly think that they will convert her back into a schooner yacht, as otherwise there will be a difficulty about papers whenever she enters a port.  There is one more thing I wish to ask you.  You see, she might not turn into the Mediterranean.  She might, for example, make for the West Indies, in which case she would be almost certain to touch at Madeira or Palmas.”

“Or possibly at Teneriffe, Major.  Of course, we have an agent at each of these places, and I will gladly request them, if a brigantine or schooner looking like her puts in there, to find out if possible where she is bound for, and to let you know at—­shall I say Gibraltar?  I am afraid it is of no use trying to get the Portuguese authorities to arrest the ship or to search her.  You see, to a certain extent it is an extradition case.  Still, I will ask them to get it done if possible, though I fear that it is quite beyond their power.”

“Thank you very much indeed.  It would be an immense thing only to find out that she has gone in that direction.  Of course, she may not put in at any of these places, as she is sure to have provisioned for a long voyage, but at any rate I will wait at Gibraltar until I get the letters, unless I can get some clue that she has gone up the Mediterranean.

“Of course, if I don’t hear of her at Cape Saint Vincent or Tarifa, I shall try Ceuta and Tangier.  If she goes up on the southern side of the Straits, she may anchor off either, and send a boat in to get fresh meat and fruit.”

“The Royal mail and the mail down the African coast will start, one tomorrow, the other on Monday, and I will send letters by them to the islands.  They are sure to get there before this craft that you are in search of, and our agents will be on the lookout for her.  It may not be long before you hear from Madeira, but it may be some time before you get the other letters, as the craft may be anything between three weeks and five in getting there.  Of course, I shall mention when she sailed, and they will not write until all chance of her having arrived is passed.”