“Did you see anything strike the water?” demanded Captain Tom.
“It looked so, but it’s a big distance to see a small object, even through the glass.”
“Keep your eye on where you saw that something go overboard,” directed Captain Tom Halstead. “Try to pilot me to that spot. It may be a message—from Mr. Delavan.”
It was a difficult task to scan the water so closely. But Jed did his best, and, after a few moments, called back excitedly:
“Better slow down your speed, captain. I think I see something dancing on the water. It’s bobbing up and down—something.”
Jed Prentiss seemed almost to have his eyes glued to the marine glasses, so intently did he watch.
“Half a point to port, captain,” he shouted, presently. “Headway, only. Joe, can you leave the engine to bring me a hand-net while I keep my eye on that thing bobbing on the water?”
Dawson leaped up from the engine room, going swiftly in search of the desired net.
“Half a point more to port, captain,” called Jed. “Steady—so! Thank you, old fellow”—as Joe handed him the net. Eben Moddridge had now hurried to the port rail as the boat drifted up alongside the thing that Prentiss was watching. It proved to be a leather wallet, floating on the waves. So neatly did Jed pilot that, soon, he was able to lean over the rail, make a deft swoop with the net, and——
“I’ve got it!” he shouted.