Seeing that the Skipper was in no mood for questions, Dennis said nothing further but followed into the whaleboat. Four Kanakas gave way at the long oars, and the boat began to slide landward. Pontifex studied the wreck through his binoculars a moment, then handed the glasses to Dennis.
"Look at it—on the mainmast!"
Puzzled, Dennis focused on the stump of the mainmast. High up, so high as to be well beyond reach, he discerned a small object; it looked like a bit of board nailed to the mast.
"Is that writing on it?" he exclaimed, lowering the glasses.
Pontifex nodded sourly. "Probably. We'll soon see."
Boatswain Joe's boat, which had finished its survey and was heading for the ship, passed within hail. Pontifex transmitted word to Mr. Leman by Ericksen, ordering the Pelican laid as close alongside the fore-hatch of the wreck as the depth would allow. Bo'sun Joe reported that the fore-part of the Simpson lay in nine fathoms, with fair holding-ground for the anchors, and that the whaler could crowd alongside her easily.
As their boat drew in, Tom Dennis could see that the stern of the wreck must indeed be completely submerged at low tide; this was attested by the barnacles and weedy growths covering the rails and decking. But it was the square bit of plank nailed to the mast which drew his gaze and that of the Skipper.
"Ah!" cried Pontifex, with a furious oath. "Look at that, Dennis! A painted sign!"
Taking the glasses, Dennis could indeed make out that the board appeared to bear words or characters—and to his eye they were Japanese. At this query, the skipper swore again.
"Aye, the yellow scum! They swarm around the islands, raiding fox-farms and poaching or trading according as they dare. One of their boats happened along here, blast the luck, and saw the wreck; posted a sign to warn off their own countrymen, and went for help. They came at high water and didn't wait for ebb tide. Notice where that sign is, up there? Way enough, Corny; we don't want to board her."