"They came ashore, went to a hotel, where they dried their clothing and got something to eat, and then went off to get the launch raised."
"I don't believe they intended to raise the launch," said Sam, promptly. "That was only a bluff."
"Exactly what I think," put in Tom. "Those fellows know they'll be followed sooner or later, and they'll try to make themselves scarce."
What to do next our friends scarcely knew. They went to several points along the sound front, but could gain no information of value.
"We've lost them," said Songbird, dismally. "All our long chase for nothing."
They were moving from one dock to another when they saw a man sitting on some bales of cotton, sleeping soundly and snoring lustily.
"Why, isn't that the carpenter who was going to repair the Dora?" cried Sam.
"Sure it is!" answered Tom. "Here is luck!"
"I wonder if those other rascals are near?" questioned Fred.
They looked all around, but soon reached the conclusion that Solly Jackson was alone. Then they shook the fellow and roused him. He had evidently been drinking, but he was now almost sober.