“How did it happen?” asked Ned.
“Made a mistake in the lights, I hear,” the sailor replied. “Thought they were further up the coast. It was thick last night, and they went on the reef. Valuable cargo, too, and they threw a lot overboard, trying to lighten the ship, before they found it was hopeless.”
In a little while the Dartaway was speeding out of the harbor, and down the coast toward the wrecked vessel. The haze of the night before had lifted and the air was clear. The sea was calm, though Sam seemed a little surprised as he glanced at the barometer.
“She’s falling,” he muttered.
“What does that mean?” asked Bob.
“Well, it generally indicates a storm,” the sailor replied. “But I guess we’ll be back long before it comes. There’s no sign of it now.”
The boat was speeding along at good speed. The coast line opened up as they forged ahead, and soon they had a good view of a broad expanse of water.
“There she is!” cried Sam, pointing ahead.
“What?” inquired the boys all at once.