"RATHER quick notice, Nayre," he greeted. "I didn't think you'd be needing
me so soon."
"There's been trouble, Brady," Nayre returned. "Durez and his crowd were
wiped out by a lot of crooks, who took their money. I couldn't afford to stay
about and argue with the police."
"They're after you?"
"I'm not sure." Nayre turned. "By the way, Brady, I'd like you to meet my
friend, Miss Lane. She brought me out here."
Brady gave Margo an impersonal stare, and nodded. He didn't seem to regard
it as remarkable that Nayre had been chauffeured by a young lady fresh from a
swimming pool, as Margo's ultra bathing costume indicated.
Indeed, Margo received the impression that Brady wouldn't have been
surprised if Nayre had shown up on a dolphin piloted by a mermaid.
Evidently, the two were old friends, and Brady had been expecting Nayre's
arrival in Miami. For the present, that point was merely indicated by their
mutual accord. Brady, in his stolid way, was more interested in Nayre's
statements concerning the police.
Stepping to a radio cabinet, Brady pressed the switch. He struck a very
appropriate broadcast, a news program, that was suddenly interrupted.
"Flash!" came a voice. "Miami Beach police are seeking the perpetrators of
the most stupendous crime in years. Tonight, unknown criminals raided the
Equator Hotel, murdered Colonel Jose Durez, with three other members of his
faction, and took coffers containing ten million dollars which the dead men
brought from Centralba.
"Police believe that a tip-off enabled the criminals to accomplish their
work. Though the murderers escaped by water, from Miami Beach, the authorities
are still searching for a man named Colin Nayre, who disappeared with them.
Evidence indicates that Nayre could have informed the local criminals of every
move that Durez intended -"
It was Nayre who interrupted the broadcast, by snapping off the switch.
His face seemed frozen as he looked toward Brady, who said nothing. It was
Nayre who finally spoke.
"They've figured it all out," he declared glumly. "Just as I expected: I'm
the goat!"
"Lucky you told me to stick around," returned Brady. "The old crate is
ready, like you wanted."
"To take me back to Centralba?"
"Too long a hop," Brady shook his head emphatically. "How about the Isle
of Pines?"
"It will do," nodded Nayre. "I can get to Centralba easily from there."
"No use, then, to wait any longer." Brady gave a beckon that included
Margo. Nayre turned suddenly and saw the girl's intensity. Margo was half risen
from the chair, her hands on the arms. She eased back, hoping to show
indifference when Nayre looked her way. Too late Brady caught the look that
flashed between them, and asked:
"Isn't Miss Lane coming along?"
"She certainly is," assured Nayre firmly. "She's heard too much for her to
stay here."
"But I can't go!" expressed Margo helplessly. "Not unless I can stop at my