In another minute American and English tars were swarming below decks on the yacht.
On deck and in the wheel house Darrin had not seen more than four men of the yacht's crew, besides the skipper.
"There do not seem to be any men below," Dave muttered, as he explored the yacht between decks. "I wonder if that skipper gets along with four deck hands in addition to his engine-room and steward forces."
His men in squads, under petty officers, worked rapidly. Dave Darrin moved more slowly, passing on into the dining cabin and the social hall of the yacht, which were below decks.
Adjoining the social hall were several cabins. Dave threw open the doors of the first few he came to, finding in them no signs of occupation.
Then a steward, smiling and bowing, appeared and asked him in French:
"Do you seek any one here?"
"You have a Prince aboard?" Dave asked.
"Even so."
"And a Japanese nobleman?"