Fortunately the plan worked with ease. Captain Sudlip was not dreaming of their return by half-past twelve and they came on board seen only by January and one of the deck hands. This deck hand loved the captain no more than did the negro and he readily consented to remain silent concerning the American passengers.
Once on the steamer the party did not go to their staterooms but to a storeroom which January pointed out to them. It was a fairly comfortable spot, and here they remained until the steamer was under way. While sitting here the boys completed their plan, which made even Professor Strong smile broadly.
It was Darry who ventured forth first, showing himself when the harbor had been left many miles behind. He strolled on deck as coolly as possible, passing the captain without appearing to notice the latter.
Captain Sudlip was nearly dumfounded and stared as if he was looking at a ghost.
“Why—er—er,” he stammered. “When—er—when did you come on board?”
“Not very long ago,” answered Darry, coolly.
“Hum! Did you—er know—I mean, did you have a nice time?”
“First-class, although I should have liked to have seen more.” And then Darry added, before the captain could speak again: “Seen anything of the rest of our crowd?”
“No.”
“Queer. They must be somewhere,” and then Darry walked away, leaving Captain Sudlip staring after him.