“What else?”
“Cassidy. As we were coming ashore with the captain, I saw the mate pulling off to a schooner that was anchored half a mile t’other side of the Grampus. There was a man with him in a blue cap and coat. They were aboard the schooner when we hit the landing, and before we started for town, the schooner’s anchor was tripped and she was off down the coast with every rag of sail hoisted and drawing. What does that mean? What’s Cassidy up to?”
Bob was astounded. Turning blankly on Jordan, he saw that his face was clouded and ominous.
CHAPTER VI.
ON THE JUMP.
“You say the schooner got away to the south, Ferral?” asked Jordan.
“Yes, and looked as though she was bound for down the coast. Looks as though Cassidy had deserted, Bob.”
“We ought to have jailed him,” commented Jordan. “Did Cassidy know anything about the sealed orders, Bob?”
“Captain Nemo, junior, had me read the orders aloud in the periscope room,” Bob answered. “Cassidy had been in the conning tower, but when I finished with the letter I saw that he was in the room with us.”
Jordan’s face grew even more foreboding.