“Thank you kindly, sir;” there was renewed vigor in the tone and manner of the sergeant; “may I ask what became of the coal boat that was in the offing when I left?”
“With the discovery of the stupefied sailors, and their identity established, the harbor patrols were put to work, but no trace of the vessel was found along the city front.”
“No question, then, sir, but that she immediately weighed anchor and made off down stream—it was not up, I assure you, for I had my glass on the river from the time we started from Vloclavek.”
“That was the theory upon which we acted, sergeant; two dispatch boats have already taken up the chase.”
“And me not in the forefront,” cried Strogoff, sounding a note of disappointment.
“You still have the aeroplane route,” suggested the chief.
The sergeant brightened at this. “But no use of a blind run,” he sighed; “in the dark we might overrun a dozen boats like the collier, and never know it.”
“Get your boy wonders and start as soon as you can see, then.”
“That is just what I will do, chief, and I would like to have Lowiez assigned with me.”
“Just the man, if there is any fancy shooting to be done,” agreed the chief.