“It might be, Jack, because I think he’s perfectly honest. On the other hand, if he should take it into his head to play in with those other Norwegians, then it would be the worst possible thing for me to do, because then he could double-cross me, as they call it. I’ll think it over. And, in the meantime, I’ll speak to Mr. Brooks and I’ll ask you to keep your eyes and ears wide open, but don’t let Olesen and the others notice that you’re watching them. If they find that is being done, they’ll become more secretive than ever.”
Before leaving on the trip it had been decided that the Firefly should stop at Key West for a day or two to get into communication with those left behind. Accordingly, the course of the steam yacht was set in that direction. After the storm the weather became somewhat cooler, for which all aboard the Firefly were thankful.
“Now we can sleep nights,” was the way Randy expressed himself. “And believe me, I’m going to do it!”
During the remainder of the run to Key West all of the boys kept their eyes on Leif Olesen and Nick Amend. But this produced no results.
“We either misjudged them or else they’re playing foxy,” declared Jack. “Olesen has talked to those two Norwegian sailors only twice, so far as I’ve been able to learn, and then the conversation didn’t seem to have anything to do with the treasure. They were talking about the birds that are flying around the ship and about wanting to get something to drink when we arrive at Key West.”
On signing up for the trip there had been one bit of friction between the two divers and Captain Corning. This had been on the subject of liquor which the captain would not allow on board.
“I’ve always had a sober crew and I always intend to have,” was the way the captain expressed himself. “I can’t stop you when you’re ashore, but I don’t intend to have any drunkenness on my ship!” and this rule he carried out with everybody who sailed under him.
The run down the coast of Florida interested all the boys, for at some spots they drew quite close to the shore. Here they were once stopped by a government vessel looking for rum runners, but were soon let go with an apology from the officer in charge of the small boat which boarded them.
“Too bad we didn’t have a little rum on board,” said Nick Amend, making a wry face. “A drink just now wouldn’t go bad.”
“Well, we’ll get something good when we go ashore at Key West,” answered Leif Olesen.