“Oh, that,” and Mr. Blowitz glanced sharply at Jerry, and then resumed his rowing toward shore. The fog had lifted a bit, and the beach could be made out. “Well, that was rather queer,” admitted the man, slowly, as if searching about for a good answer. “You see I didn’t know the fishing captain had seen the derelict. When I got the telegram, telling me the brig was still afloat, I thought it might be a good plan to go about among the fishermen, making inquiries.”
“And you happened to strike the right one?” asked Jerry.
“I—that is—well, I had inquired among several before I met Captain Deckton of the smack Sea Girl. He saw the derelict. But I’d like to have a talk with you boys, when you are at liberty,” added Mr. Blowitz, quickly. “I have a proposition to make to you. I think you will be interested.”
“Please put us ashore first, before you talk business,” begged Olivia. “It is long past noon, and I’m afraid my father will be worried about us.”
“We’ll land at the dock in ten minutes,” said Mr. Blowitz. “I’ll talk to the boys later.”
“I wonder what he wants?” thought Jerry. “Something of a favor, I’ll bet. I know his kind.”
“Let me take the oars and relieve you,” proposed Ned, who saw that the man was having rather hard work with the boatload of young people.
“Thank you, there’s another pair in the stern, if you want to try them,” said Mr. Blowitz, and Ned got them out. They made better time after that, and were soon at the dock.
“We must hurry home,” said Rose.
“Perhaps you boys had rather talk with me later,” suggested Mr. Blowitz. “There is no special hurry. Some time this afternoon will do as well, and you might like to go home with the young ladies.”