"Did you get your money out of it?" asked the pilot.
"I certainly did, and so did the others. After that storm, when your father was lost overboard, we had a hard job getting the lumber to port, but we managed to do it, and sold it for a good price."
"What was done with the money?" asked Mr. Weatherby.
"It was divided among the members of the syndicate."
"What about Mr. Morton's share?"
"His was laid aside, and the second mate of the barge said he would take it to his address in Chicago. He got it off Mr. Morton's dead body."
"I never received the money," said Nat.
"That's queer," spoke Mr. Clayton.
"Who was the second mate, who agreed to take Mr. Morton's share to his heirs?" inquired the pilot.
"He was Joseph Bumstead," was the startling answer, "but I don't know where he is now. He cleared out after we sold the lumber, taking his share, and Mr. Morton's, and I haven't seen him since."