"Indeed, son, I haven't the least idea," said the captain. "It does seem mighty strange that some one else should have anchored right in the vicinity of the Dominion. Very few people know where the Dominion lies, and if this chap doesn't know, it surely is an odd coincidence that he should be anchored for the night right where he is."
The engines of the Jules Verne were still in motion. The anchors were just being run out and it was not possible to hear distinctly any noise that might have been wafted over the waters from the mythical craft. Captain Austin announced he would speak the vessel as soon as the Jules Verne had settled for the night and the engines had stopped. In the meantime the crew indulged in all manner of speculation.
"Maybe it is a United States revenue cutter," offered Dick.
"Or one of the fishing fleet that has gotten off her course and stopped here for the night," suggested Larry.
"Might be some millionaire's pleasure craft, too," put in Captain Austin. "She looks like a pretty swell boat, whatever she is. What do you think, Mr. Thacker?"
The captain turned to Jay. That youth slowly shook his head.
"I'm not a trouble-hunter, but my own private opinion is that that ship over there, whatever is she and whoever is aboard her, is here for no good," replied Jay deliberately.
"You mean—" began Dick.
"I mean that I think those fellows over there right now are after the gold in the Dominion," interrupted Jay. "They may have been here for days. They may have the Dominion pretty well cleaned out, or they may have just arrived. At any rate, my hunch is that she is a treasure-hunter—a submarine pirate."