They found what
they said was a parachute, but it's my belief that was either a blind or
it was really some kind of collapsible boat. I never saw the thing
myself, and O'Brien, who did see it, having heard somebody say it was a
parachute, of course swore it was not."
"And did the man do nothing while he was on the island?"
"God knows what he may not have done! Naturally he told nobody what he
was after, and no one actually saw him doing anything, but there are
plenty of stories."
"What kind of stories?"
"Oh, the usual kind, that he was seen flashing lights on the shore and
carrying petrol tins. But you can believe as much of them as you like."
"And have your cousins no theory? They apparently saw a good deal of
him."
"My cousin Philip says frankly he is absolutely beaten by the whole
performance. Jean--well girls are rum things."
"What are Miss Rendall's views then?" I enquired.
"She is generally quick enough at guessing, and as fond of gossip as most
of her sex, but for some reason she keeps very quiet about it. It's my
belief she knows something. In fact I shouldn't be surprised if
Whiteclett had told her a little and sworn her to secrecy. Men do tell
women things sometimes, as I daresay you have noticed for yourself, Mr.
Hobhouse."
"What a very strange story!" murmured Mr.
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