Hardiman bent towards Stella Croyle.

"I think our new friend has had a curious life, Stella. He should
interest you."

Stella Croyle replied with a shrewd look towards the Spaniard.

"At present he is interesting Escobar. One would say Escobar was
suspicious lest Mr. Hillyard should know too much of him."

Sir Charles laughed.

"The Mario Escobars are always suspicious. Let us see!" he said in a low
voice, and leaning across the table, he shot a question sharply at the
Spaniard.

"And what were you doing under the palm trees, in front of the sea at
Alicante, Señor Escobar?"

Mario Escobar sat back. The challenge had startled him. He reflected,
and as the recollection came he turned slowly very white.

"I?" he asked.

"Yes," said Hardiman, leaning forward. But it was not at Hardiman that
Escobar was looking. His eyes were fixed warily on Hillyard. He answered
the question warily too, fragment by fragment, ready to stop, ready to
take the words back, if a sign of recollection kindled in Hillyard's
face.