"I recognized him by his voice, even though he is dressed quite differently, Dave. He must be as crazy as they make them."
"Oh, so you know him, do you?" put in Link Merwell, questioningly. He had gotten to his feet and was now straightening out his apparel.
"I must say, Link, I didn't think I was going to have the pleasure of meeting you so soon," said Dave, with a little bit of pardonable sarcasm.
"Humph!" Link Merwell was on the point of saying more, but bit his lip and kept silent.
"So you were on board the steam yacht when she took fire," put in Phil.
"I was."
"Why didn't you show yourself; were you afraid?"
"That was my business. I didn't have to show myself if I didn't want to."
"We know well enough why you didn't show yourself, Link," broke in our hero. "And we also know why you left Mr. Appleby's camp so suddenly. You were afraid of arrest."
"Who told you that?"