"Oh, captains like to have good times occasionally," continued the supercargo, with a sickly grin.
"If you mean by that, that Captain Marshall went off to have a good time, as you put it, I do not think so," returned Phil, coldly. "He is not that sort."
"Perhaps you know him better than I do," flared up the supercargo.
"I know that he is a man who sticks to his duty, Mr. Van Blott. Something has gone wrong, or he would be back."
"As you please." The supercargo paused. "Well, it doesn't matter much," he continued. "I know what to do, and I am going ahead without waiting for him."
"You mean about unloading?"
"Yes."
"Would it not be better to wait until Captain Marshall returns?"
"No, it would only be a waste of time."
No more was said just then, and a few minutes later breakfast was announced. As soon as it was over, Phil called his chums aside.