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Oswald De Gex, the man who without nationality or patriotism pulled a hundred financial strings both in Europe and in America, held the sinister Doctor Moroni in his pay. I could discern that fact, just as I could see that the man Suzor, who had so cleverly posed as an official of the Crédit Lyonnais, was one of the many confidential agents of the mysterious De Gex.
Then I went to the Carlton, and from the reception-clerk ascertained that Monsieur Suzor was staying there, but he did not always sleep there. Sometimes he would be absent for two or three nights. He went away into the country, the smart young clerk believed.
But the message was proof that De Gex intended to leave Spain, and further, it was a source of satisfaction to know his destination in case he slipped away suddenly. After Pardo had gone I sat and pondered. It struck me as very curious that Suzor should have gone to a distant telegraph office in order to send the message.
At first it seemed a good idea, but on reflection I did not agree, because I feared lest he might be recognized by Suzor. De Gex, of course, would not know him, but with Suzor the danger of recognition was always great. If either realized that they were being watched, all chances of solving the problem would instantly disappear.
I thanked the man Pardo, who said: "Señor Suzor did not dispatch the telegram from the chief office in the Calle del Correo, but from the branch office in the Plaza del Progreso. He apparently wished to send it in secret." "I wonder why?" I asked. The Spaniard raised his shoulders. The address conveyed nothing to me.
He walked straight to where the pair were seated, lifted his hat, and then seated himself beside the girl. The man was my French friend, Suzor! That they had gone there on purpose to meet him was now quite clear, for after a few moments the old woman laughed, rose and walked on, in order to leave the girl alone with the Frenchman.
"Yes with our reg'lar residents," she answered promptly. But from her nervousness of manner I knew she was not telling the truth. I was positive that Suzor had entered there, but she denied all knowledge of him. Why? Without a doubt, while I had waited for him to emerge, he had passed out by the back way. If so, was it possible that he had seen and recognized me, and wished to escape unseen?
Señor Suzor appears to be transacting a considerable amount of business in Madrid a scheme for a new railway, I understand." "Yes, I know. All I want you to do is to find out who visits Mr. De Gex, and whether any telegrams are sent by either him or Mr. Suzor." "I quite understand, señor," was the detective's reply as he rose, and a few minutes later withdrew.
But as the dead count was a great financier, Oswald De Gex may be working in the interests of the widow or to the contrary." "To the contrary," said my friend without hesitation. Next morning Hambledon told me that De Gex and Suzor did not return to the Ritz until nearly one o'clock. Apparently they had dined and spent the evening in Segovia.
I've still got a little money in the bank. We can see Suzor off from Charing Cross, then take a taxi to Croydon, fly over, and be in Paris hours before he arrives at the Gare du Nord. There you will wait for his arrival, follow him and see his destination." Hambledon, who was already much interested in my strange adventures, quickly saw the point.
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