The most suspicious person could have found nothing in the actions of the crew to warrant any fears on the score of foul play.
The steward and the engineer appeared to be intent only upon their duties, and the captain had already shown that he was willing to turn his hand to anything which could forward the wishes of his employers.
Not until nearly an hour after the machinists had gone ashore did Ned put out from the dock, and when he came alongside Manuel stood ready to catch the painter.
Ned gazed with surprise at the captain and steward, both of whom chanced to be on deck, and then, beckoning to Roy, who was in the wheel-house, went below.
“Well?” the latter asked as he followed the newcomer.
“I found the telegraph office, and there hasn’t been any trouble with the cable for the past year. The interpreter has lied to us, and he must have some reason for so doing.”
CHAPTER XX.
AN ILL-ADVISED START.
Vance hastened to the forward cabin as soon as he saw Ned go down the companion-way, and arrived there just in time to hear the last portion of his remark.
Roy seemed thoroughly bewildered on thus learning that the interpreter had deceived them, and stood silent and motionless as Vance said bitterly:
“With such a man to manage the job, it isn’t hard to fancy that they’ll make a pretty thorough search of this craft before leaving her.”