“We all got to go back?” began Hal, with a half wail.
“Certain’,” went on Captain Joe. “We not leave the steamer now.”
“Why not?” began Bob. “That is, as soon as Mr. Hawkins is well enough to take charge. She’s all right here. We can telephone for a tug from Mill View.”
Tom’s face showed a strange smile. He looked at Captain Joe, and the smile broadened into a grin. Then he beckoned the other boys closer.
“Why not?” he repeated. “For one reason, she’s too valuable.”
Mac suddenly slapped his knee and let out a yell.
“By cracky,” he shouted. “I hadn’t thought of that. What’s she worth, Captain Joe?”
Captain Joe was smiling too, but he only answered:
“She good money.”
Hal and Bob were still puzzled.