“Maybe he wasn’t on this ship at all,” was Harry’s objection. “He might have been out on the harbor for a pleasure ride.”
“Sure, he’s just the chap to take a pleasure ride on the harbor with a storm brewing! I’ve got a picture of that chap joy-riding!”
“I hope he doesn’t see us,” declared Jack. “He might have enough influence with the captain to prevent our securing passage on this ship.”
The conversation was interrupted by the advent of the captain, who looked over the rail at the little craft riding alongside.
“What do you want?” he inquired in a business-like tone.
“We want to arrange passage on your ship to New York, Captain,” stated Ned respectfully. “We understand you are to sail soon. We are citizens of the United States homeward bound. Can you help us out?”
“Not this trip!” decided the captain instantly.
“We are able to pay well for our accommodations,” continued the boy. “It is rather important that we get home as quickly as possible.”
“Possibly,” returned the captain shortly.
Nonplussed, Ned was at a loss to find words with which to urge his request further. The captain’s distant manner gave him no encouragement.