“I mean at the most.”
“Not over twenty-six days.”
The two boys and Mr. Whyland held a brief consultation. At the conclusion they informed Captain Morris that they had decided to accept his offer, and the transfer of tickets was made on the spot.
“Mr. Willett, the purser, will show you to your staterooms,” said Captain Morris after their business was concluded. “There are two nice ones close together that you will occupy, and he will make it comfortable for ye.”
Mr. Willett was called, and he at once led the way below. They found everything as Captain Morris had described it, and in less than an hour they felt quite at home.
“This is a lucky thing for us in more ways than one,” said Mr. Whyland to Oliver. “If Colonel Mendix has discovered that we are on his track this new move will throw him off. He will think we are here in Panama waiting for the steamer while we will be half-way to San Francisco.”
“That is true,” returned Oliver, “and I am glad of it, although I guess he hasn’t the slightest idea that I am after him.”
“I wish I could say the same. But I have a feeling that that is not so in my case. He is an awfully sharp fellow.”
“Let us trust he has overreached himself,” said Oliver hopefully.