A look about soon disclosed that the boat had been occupied, and recently. There were crumbs of bread about, and a tin cup containing a little water.
“Well, that’s a good sign,” spoke Jerry, in tones of relief. “They weren’t hungry, or thirsty, that’s very sure.”
“No, whoever was in this boat had something to eat,” agreed Bob, and his face was brighter.
“If we could only settle for sure that it was your folks,” spoke Ned. “That’s a puzzle; as well as what has become of them. Could they have fallen overboard?”
“Of course not!” exclaimed Jerry quickly, giving Ned a nudge, unseen by Bob. “More likely they’ve been taken off by some other vessel.”
“Oh, of course, I didn’t think of that!” cried Ned, quick to take his chum’s hint. “Of course, that’s it. They saw some other vessel, or some other ship saw them, and picked them up. Naturally the rescuing ship wouldn’t stop to take the boat. That accounts for them not being here; eh, Bob?”
“I—I hope so,” spoke the stout youth, in a low voice. “But I wish I could be sure they had been here. If they had only left some message.”
“Well, of course they didn’t know we were coming in search of them,” remarked Jerry, with a laugh, “or they might have done so. But I’m sure they didn’t fall overboard. All they’d have to do, even in a big storm, would be to lie down in the bottom of this boat, and they’d be safe. Of course the boat could fill with water——”
“No it couldn’t!” interrupted Ned, quickly.
“Why not?” challenged Jerry.