"So they are," cried M. Desplaines, "and from some of these men perhaps we shall be able to hear what has happened."
It was an easy matter to get the story from the crew.
The only trouble was they all wanted to talk at once. Bit by bit, however, the boys got the story and learned that the Brigand was sinking with a big hole in her bottom. While the others were talking a tall man, who formed part of the crew that had just landed, beckoned Frank aside:
"Come here, young master," he said, "I want a word with you. You are one of the Boy Aviators?"
"I am!" replied Frank, "who are you?"
"My name's Al Davis; I was a skipper once—but never mind that now. But if you want to make a piece of money out of salvage I'll tell you how if you make it worth my while."
"What is it you have to tell me?" asked Frank.
For reply the man put his hand up to Frank's ear and whispered cautiously.
"Is that worth anything?" he asked after he had imparted the information.
"Well I should say so," cried Frank joyously, and he slipped the man a bill of large denomination.