s interview. "I'm much
obliged to you."

"If you want to get into communication with this man, I have a
plan," suggested the captain.

"What?" asked Larry, eagerly.

"He will probably call at my hotel to claim his package. When he
comes you could be on hand."

"But there is no telling when he will come."

"That is so, but you could take a room at the hotel and be there as
much as possible. I think he will come as soon as he learns that my
ship is in."

"That's a good idea. I'll do it!" exclaimed Larry.

"Then let's hurry ashore, and you can make your arrangements while I
finish up the details of the indents, bills of lading, custom lists
and so on," Captain Tantrella said.

The two walked down the gang plank on to the covered dock. The
tangle of wagons, horses and men was worse than ever. Part of the
cargo was being taken out and carted away.

"Watch out for yourself that a horse doesn't step on you," cautioned
the captain.

It was a needful warning, for the animals, drawing big, heavy
trucks, seemed to be every-where. As the two proceeded to thread
their way through the maze there came a hail from somewhere in the
rear and a voice called:

"Captain Tantrella!"

The commander turned, and so did Larry. The young reporter saw a
man hurrying along the dock toward where the commander of the
_Turtle_ stood. Evidently he had not seen the captain come to a
halt, for he called again:

"Wait a minute, Captain Tantrella!"

Then a curious thing happened. The man caught sight of Larry,
standing beside the ship commander. He halted and turned to run. As
he did so a truck drove up behind him and blocked his retreat.

"It's Mah Retto!" exclaimed Larry, as he caught sight of the man's
face.

An instant later there came a warning shout from the driver of the
truck. He reined his horses back sharply, but not in time. Retto had
stepped directly under their heads. The off animal reared. The man
stumbled and fell beneath its hoofs.

Then, with a cry of terror, which was echoed by a score of men who
saw the accident, Retto appeared to crumple up in a heap. The
forefeet of the big steed seemed to crush him before the driver
could back the animal off. Then came silence, Retto lying without
moving on the planking of the dock.

"Caught at last," murmured Larry, as he rushed forward.

CHAPTER XXV

IN THE HOSPITAL

Instantly the confusion that had reigned on the dock became worse.
Men ran to and fro shouting