ld have given a
hundred pounds for a sight of the messenger's face--the man to whom she
handed them. I would give a thousand now!"

"ANDAMAN--SECOND," I said. "What did she mean?"

"Then it has not dawned upon you?" cried Smith excitedly, as the cab
turned into the station. "The ANDAMAN, of the Oriental Navigation
Company's line, leaves Tilbury with the next tide for China ports. Our
man is a second-class passenger. I am wiring to delay her departure,
and the special should get us to the docks inside of forty minutes."

Very vividly I can reconstruct in my mind that dash to the docks
through the early autumn morning. My friend being invested with
extraordinary powers from the highest authorities, by Inspector
Weymouth's instructions the line had been cleared all the way.

Something of the tremendous importance of Nayland Smith's mission came
home to me as we hurried on to the platform, escorted by the
station-master, and the five of us--for Weymouth had two other C.I.D.
men with him--took our seats in the special.

Off we went on top speed, roaring through stations, where a glimpse
might be had of wondering officials upon the platforms, for a special
train was a novelty on the line. All ordinary traffic arrangements
were held up until we had passed through, and we reached Tilbury in
time which I doubt not constituted a record.

There at the docks was the great liner, delayed in her passage to the
Far East by the will of my royally empowered companion. It was novel,
and infinitely exciting.

"Mr. Commissioner Nayland Smith?" said the captain interrogatively,
when we were shown into his room, and looked from one to another and
back to the telegraph form which he held in his hand.

"The same, Captain," said my friend briskly. "I shall not detain you a
moment. I am instructing the authorities at all ports east of Suez to
apprehend one of your second-class passengers, should he leave the
ship. He is in possession of plans which practically belong to the
British Government!"

"Why not arrest him now?" asked the seaman bluntly.

"Because I don't know him. All second-class passengers' baggage will
be searched as they land. I am hoping something from that, if all else
fails. But I want you privately to instruct your stewards to watch any
passenger of Oriental nationality, and to cooperate with the two
Scotland Yard men who are joining you for the voyage. I look to you to
recover these plans, Captain.