“No--down at the other end of the island,” replied the diver. “You can go by train and steamer or by motor car. You’ll find it a queer spot, but hotter than blazes. When I used to come down here with Father, he sometimes loaded asphalt at Brighton--that’s the port of the Asphalt company--and I was always mighty glad to get away. I’ll say it’s the hottest place in this world!”
They were now approaching the harbor and as Mr. Pauling had radioed ahead that he had prisoners to be turned over to the authorities, a police boat manned by gigantic black “bobbies” was waiting for the destroyer when she at last dropped anchor off Port of Spain.
As the pompous, florid-faced inspector, followed by his half-dozen black giants, boarded the destroyer the usual fleet of shore boats drew close.
“Here, you!” cried Rawlins beckoning to one darky. “Hand me up a paper.”
Tossing a shilling to the fellow, the diver seized the Gazette and turned eagerly to the column headed “Maritime News.”
“Here ’tis!” he exclaimed, as he ran his eye rapidly over the various items.
“Barbados, 29th. Steamship Trident, La Guaira for European ports, put in with leak in port bow. Reports being in collision with what appeared to be a water-logged derelict on the night of 27th. Longitude 62° 58’ W. Latitude 12° 35’ N. Captain Donaldson states that he believes there were men clinging to the derelict as officer on watch insists he heard cries after striking, but no trace of men or of the derelict could be found although the Trident stood by and burned flares for half an hour.”
“But how do you know that’s about the steamer that struck the submarine?” asked Tom.
“I don’t know,” admitted the diver. “But I’ll bet a five spot to a plugged nickel it is, just the same. It’s the same position--or at least within a few miles of it--as where we found the old sub. It’d be blamed funny if there was a derelict and that sub knocking about the same spot. Anyhow the Trident didn’t pick any one up so I guess my hunch was wrong about Old Glass Eye getting off.” While Rawlins had been speaking, Frank had been examining the paper and suddenly he let out a yell that made the others jump.
“Jehoshaphat!” he cried. “Just listen to this!” Then while the others listened he read: