CHAPTER X—OVERHAULING THE MYSTERY
“And now,” demanded Lawyer Crane, in his calm, heavy voice, “may I ask what all this chaos and confusion is about?”
“In just a minute or two, sir, I’ll be hugely delighted to have you listen,” Halstead answered. “But I want to get out of this cove and clear of coast shoals and ledges first.”
Joe had already begun to make the engine “kick” somewhat, and the boat was moving fast, leaving behind her a graceful swirl of water. Jed, after coiling the stern-line, had come forward, and, though he asked no questions, that youth was whistling a ditty of fast movement, the surest sign of all that he shared in the unknown excitement.
“There she is!” cried Halstead, suddenly, taking his right hand from the wheel to point out over the water.
“She?” repeated Mr. Crane. “Who?”
“That boat! Don’t you see the steam launch with the yellow hull?”
The launch was some two or more miles away, heading over the waters in a direction that would carry her past the northern end of Martha’s Vineyard. Mr. Crane adjusted his glasses, staring hard. At last he made out the low-lying hull.
“I see some sort of a craft out there,” he replied slowly. “But I must congratulate you on having very good eyes, Captain Halstead, if you can make out the fact that she is painted yellow. However, what have we to do with that boat?”
“We’re going after her,” responded Tom, briefly. He was wondering just how to begin the wonderful story of his late adventure.