But the float was empty of life.
Herc had vanished.
[CHAPTER XXI.]
AFLOAT AND ASHORE.
The petty officer in command of Number One whaleboat noted the effect of the shot and then looked about for Herc. As we know, the red-headed lad was not on board, nor did any inquiry among the crew bring a satisfactory explanation of his whereabouts.
The men had seen him standing on the stern, and then had lost track of him. They had supposed that he was "somewhere on board," they said.
Kennell alone volunteered an explanation.
"He may have tumbled overboard, sir," he suggested. "I saw him standing up in the stern-sheets as I cast off with my boathook."