The boys anxiously waited. Their employer kept the glasses to his eyes, though it was tiresome work, holding them with one hand. Suddenly he exclaimed:
“I can see him quite plainly, now!”
“Who is it?” asked Jerry quickly.
“Carson Blowitz! He, too, is after the derelict! He is going to try and cheat me again!”
Nearer and nearer approached the steam tug, for the pilot had, evidently, not taken into consideration the fact that the Ripper was going ahead at reduced speed. Soon it was close enough for the boys, without the aid of the glasses, to make out the figure of Blowitz.
“I must go outside,” announced Mr. De Vere. “Give me a hand, Jerry, so I won’t stumble and hurt my broken arm.”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m going to ask Blowitz what he means by following me; and whether he is trying to find the derelict that belongs to me.”
Jerry assisted Mr. De Vere out on the small deck in front of the cabin. By this time the Monarch was within hailing distance, those in charge of her evidently having decided to give up trying to remain in the rear.
“Ripper ahoy!” called Carson Blowitz, waving his hand at the little group on deck.