"Yes, I know that he did," said the captain. "And the hotel detective also says that you were white with anger, and that you went off down Broadway like a man with murder in his mind. Do you care to say anything more?" "Of course," said Prale. "I went down to Madison Square, and there I sat down on a bench." "Meet anybody there?" "I did. I met an old friend, Jim Farland, who used to be on your detective force, and who now runs a private agency." "I know Farland well, and I'll send for him." "I talked with Jim for some time," Prale went on. "I told him, I believe, that I seemed to have enemies working in the dark. I told him about the scene with Shepley." "Um! What did Farland have to say?" "Nothing, except that he couldn't understand why Shepley had acted so. We talked the matter over for a while and then we separated." "Very well. And where did you go next?" "I walked up Fifth Avenue," said Prale. "It was after nine o'clock by that time." "Go straight to your hotel?" "I did not," Prale said. "Care to tell me where you went and what you did?" "I have no objections. I walked up the Avenue, and met my cousin, George Lerton, the broker." "Meet him accidentally?" "He overtook me--called to me." "How long did you talk to him?" "For only a few minutes," said Prale. "You must understand that, while George Lerton is my cousin, we are not exceptionally friendly, and never have been. We worked for the same firm ten years ago, and after I went to Honduras, George made some money and got into business for himself; at least he told me so last night." "So you merely shook hands and renewed your acquaintance?" the captain asked. "There was something peculiar about the meeting," Prale replied. "In what way?" "Lerton urged me to leave New York and remain away. He said that I had powerful enemies." "What about that?" "It is what has been puzzling me. So far as I know, I haven't a powerful enemy on earth. I suppose I have a few business foes in Central America; a man can't make a million without acquiring some enemies at the same time. But I don't know of a single influential person who is my enemy." "Didn't Lerton explain to you?" "He refused to do so," said Prale, "and I told him to go his way and that I'd go mine." "Doesn't that story seem a bit weak to you, Mr. Prale?" "It may, but it is a true story. Get Lerton and question him if you wish. I couldn't make him talk--maybe you can. I'd like to know the names of these enemies of mine, if I really have them." "Anything else lead you to believe you might have enemies?" "Yes. I have received several anonymous notes, some on board ship and some since landing, that say something about retribution about to be visited upon me." "Why?" "I don't know, captain. I never did anything in my life to merit such retribution. I am sure of that." "What time was it when you parted from Lerton?" "It must have been about nine thirty or a quarter to ten." "Go to your hotel then?"