“Yes, my man,” said Mr. Lockyer. As the boat was rowed off, the inventor turned to Ned.
“Then you think the Banta House is a queer place for a man to make an appointment?”
“Unless it’s on some secret sort of business, sir, I do,” answered Ned frankly. “If I were going to meet any one there, I’d want to know what kind of folks they were.”
“Well, as you may have gathered, I have an appointment there this evening myself,” rejoined the inventor. “I’m not at liberty to tell what it is, but it may have very important results.”
Ned nodded. But his thoughts were elsewhere. Something about the heavily bearded man in the boat seemed familiar to him. He had met him or seen him before, he was certain. But where? He could not think. A short time later he drew Herc off in a corner and described the man fully to him, imitating his manner as well as he could, but Herc could come no nearer to placing him than could Ned.
CHAPTER XV.
SOME RASCALS AT WORK.
At seven-thirty that evening the boat was there, and Mr. Lockyer immediately got on board. Lieutenant Parry and Midshipman Stark had already gone ashore to visit some friends of the officers, who lived not far off. Andy Bowler and some of the engine-room crew alone remained on board beside the boys.
“Take good care of the Lockyer, Strong,” laughed the inventor, as he took his seat in the stern sheets of the little shore boat.