"Let us explore that deck house first," said Ensign Hargreaves, and, followed by the boys, he started for the small structure which stood just aft of the wreck of the foremast.
Little dreaming of the surprise that awaited them within, the boys followed, on tip-toe with curiosity and excitement.
CHAPTER IV.
A MYSTERY OF THE SEA.
The door of the deck house was closed. But the ensign opened it without difficulty, and with the boys pressing close on his heels he entered the place.
Hardly had he done so before he fell back with a sharp exclamation. The next instant the boys echoed his interjection with a tone in which horror mingled with surprise. Seated at a table in the cabin was what at first appeared to be a man. But a second glance showed that, in reality, the figure was a grim skeleton upheld by its posture and still bearing mildewed and mouldy sea clothes.
"What a dreadful sight!" cried Rob, shivering, although the day was hot.
"Poor fellow!" exclaimed the naval officer. "He must have perished just as he sat. See, there is a paper under his hand, and there lies the pen with which he had been writing."