CHAPTER LV

Valerie Tells a Story Jim looked at the incriminating evidence for a long time without speaking. Then, grasping at a straw, he advanced what might well be an explanation. "Mr. Howett said he saw a man row to the quay, and asked him if he might take the boat." "Mr. Howett also said the man made no reply. I thought that was a curious story, didn't you, Captain Featherstone?" asked the other. "I saw nothing curious about it," said Jim a little coldly. "It seemed very likely that the man was originally in the boat, and…