“He didn’t say, sir,” replied the clerk.
“Come, Ashton,” cried Mr. Willing excitedly. “Perhaps Captain Anderson has learned something.”
“I shall accompany you,” said Captain von Blusen.
The others offered no objection and the three hurried away together, Mr. Willing telling Consul Harrington that they would let him know the result of their trip.
At the water front they were fortunate enough to find an unengaged boatman, who offered to put them aboard the Yucatan for a fair price.
“Never mind the price,” said Mr. Willing. “Hurry and get us there.”
The boatman wasted no time, and soon they were heading for the big steamship as fast as they could go.
Dusk was just falling as they went swiftly over the water, and none could but think what a pretty spectacle the great ship made with her thousands of electric lights shining brightly.
“And that’s the ship you attempted to get away with, Captain Von Blusen,” said Mr. Willing.
“Yes, and would have gotten away with but for Miss Ashton,” replied the captain. “However, I bear no ill will. It is the fortune of war.”