“But what benefit would it be to the man, even if he has an idea the yacht can be captured, to prevent us from sending a telegram?”
“Because,” Ned replied quickly, “there would be less chance thieves could be tracked if your parents had received no word from you since the Zoe left Key West.”
“But he promises to send a letter.”
“And you will have no means of knowing whether he does so or not. At all events, don’t write a line or even a word about the treasure.”
“I think you had better try your luck on shore,” Vance said decidedly. “I’ll write a telegram if Roy don’t care to, and there won’t be any damage done if you can’t send it,”
“You do that and I’ll attend to the letter,” Roy replied. “But how can Ned learn anything about the cable while he doesn’t understand the language?”
“I’ll guarantee to find some one who’ll help me along,” the boy replied confidently, and just then the return of Manuel interrupted the conversation.
“The machinists wish to speak with one of you,” he said.
“You go, Roy, while I look out for some business which must be attended to,” Vance replied as he began to write the telegram.
The two left the cabin, and as soon as the message was finished Ned put it in his pocket.