The fisherman became interested in the boys, and had Chet tell more about his missing parent. Then he went in search of some men who had business dealings with Tom Fetjen, and talked to them in Danish.
“They say Tom Fetjen went up the coast to Upernivik,” said Rooney, after the interview. “If your ship is bound for that port, you’ll probably find him there. He owns a boat called the Northland, a little two-master.”
This was all the information Chet could obtain in Holstenborg concerning the missing whaler.
“Well, that’s something,” said Andy. “You can talk to this Tom Fetjen when we reach Upernivik.”
“If he doesn’t leave there before we arrive.”
“Rooney said he was apt to stay there quite a while, Chet.”
“I know he did. Well, I suppose I can only wait and see.” And Chet heaved a deep sigh.
While Andy and Chet were ashore interviewing Jack Rooney and others who could speak English, Captain Williamson was waited on by three of his hands. The delegation was headed by Pep Loggermore.
“What do you want?” demanded the master of the Ice King, briefly. He could readily see that trouble was brewing.
“We came to speak about them boys,” replied Loggermore, doggedly. “We been talkin’ amongst ourselves, and we don’t want to take no more chances.”