“I don’t see why not,” came from Ned. “We suspect that some things from my father’s store are here. If we take a look and don’t do any damage where’s the harm. The thieves ought to be caught, and we may get a clue to them in this way.”
“I say, let’s go below,” put in Jerry. “Try all the hatches. Maybe some of them are not locked.”
Whoever had deserted the schooner had evidently not felt any alarm about leaving their property without the protection of lock and key, for the first hatch cover the boys tried slid back easily, disclosing a rather dark and steep companionway.
“Who’s going ahead?” asked Jerry. “Don’t all speak at once.”
There was a moment’s hesitancy on the part of all three. There was no telling what they might meet with, or who might be below.
“Pshaw!” exclaimed Ned. “I don’t believe any one’s there. I’ll make a break.”
He started down the companion steps, and, after a second, Bob and Jerry followed.
“It’s as dark as a pocket!” said Bob. “I wish we had a lantern.”
“Hold on!” called Bob who was in the rear. “I have a candle-end in my pocket.”
He brought it forth and lighted it, sending a rather faint illumination through the cabin in which the boys found themselves. No one was to be seen, but, as was the case on deck, everything was neatly in place, and no disorder evident.