“Well, why would he want to hide this?” asked Randy. “Why, it’s only an empty liquor jug!”
“Here is why he hid it!” exclaimed Captain Corning, turning up the bottom of the wicker holder of the demijohn. “Do you see how this is stamped?” and he held the object closer to the light in the stateroom.
The boys looked, and then both of them gave a cry of astonishment. The wickerwork was plainly stamped with the name Margarita!
CHAPTER XXVII
THE MAN ON HORSEBACK
“This may mean a great deal and then again it may mean next to nothing,” remarked Captain Corning, as all carefully examined the demijohn marked Margarita. “If it was found where the abandoned steam yacht rests, all right. But this demijohn may have floated for miles before it lost its cork and sank.”
“Let’s hope the spot where it was discovered marks the resting place of the Margarita,” returned Jack. “Do you know where we were two hours ago? Jake Patnak said that was when it was hauled up.”
“Yes, we can easily calculate the locality, or pretty close to it,” was the reply. “I think I’ll turn the Firefly back and see how Olesen and his assistant take it. I’ll not say anything to the rascal until later.”
The demijohn was hidden away once more and the stateroom put in order, and then all went on deck again. The necessary orders were given by the captain, and soon the yacht was headed in the direction from whence she had come.