The boatman shook his head slowly.
"I wish I could say yes, Mrs. Nelson," he said. "But I don't think so. It's all wet around here, and there would be no sense in it when there are so many dry landing places nearby. Most likely he landed somewhere else and the boat drifted away from him."
The widow gave a start.
"Oh, might they not have landed on one of the islands and the sloop got away from them?" she cried.
"By creation! that may be it!" ejaculated Bill Franchard. "I never thought of it before."
"I wish we could find out. I'm greatly worried. Something tells me that Ralph is not safe—that something has happened to him."
"I'll tell you what I'll do, Mrs. Nelson. I'll take the Ariel and sail up to the islands and take a look around."
"Will you go this afternoon?"
"If you wish it, yes."
"I do, very much."