Overboard now were thrown not one flask only, but three, and each would tell the same story of the ship-wrecked mariners, dying slowly for want of water on the lonely island far to the west. The latitude and longitude of this was given also.
It was evident that the flasks fell near the ship, for presently they could see a boat lowered, as if to pick them up. It soon returned to the ship and was hauled up.
But for a long time those in the balloon waited in vain for a signal. It came at last. A flag--bright red--was hoisted to the peak and rapidly lowered again.
Then the ship held on its course.
"Gracious heavens!" cried Duncan excitedly, "they are leaving our poor friends to their fate."
"I do not believe it possible," said Frank.
"No, it cannot be. See, see, they have stopped ship."
This was true. And it was evident also that a consultation was being held on board, as to whether they should really alter their course, and seek for the uninhabited island and perishing mariners or not.
"I know how it is," said Duncan. "It is, as usual, a question of money, like everything else in the world. That is no doubt a mail steamer, and the loss of time means a heavy fine, even though they might prove they had been on an errand of mercy."
But to their infinite joy our heroes saw at last the ship's prow turned westwards.