Jack looked serious. He looked hastily round to be sure no one overheard and then said in a low voice.
“My uncle is on a crack-brained search for treasure which may or may not exist. This man Terrill has furnished the capital and so, in a way, dominates the expedition. He has a sinister influence over my uncle and won’t hear of losing any more time in locating the treasure, so we are all bound on a long trip.�
“Well, are we all ready,� struck in Mr. Terrill’s rasping voice. He looked impatiently at his watch.
“As ready as we’ll ever be, boss,� cried the Bowery boy, making an expressive face at Mr. Terrill behind his back.
“Then let’s get back to the Morning Star, boys,� cried Uncle Toby. “I had treasures manifold, as I sailed,� he sang in his gruff old sea voice.
As they were leaving the hut a sudden notion seized Jack. He turned to Raynor.
“We’ll take that wireless set along,� he said. “I’ve a notion I might be able to repair it.�
“I don’t see what good it will be,� objected Raynor, “anyhow, we can’t wait to get down the aërials.�
“Never mind them. There’s copper wire on the Morning Star, it’s used to repair parts of the rigging.�
“All right,� said Raynor, dismantling the parts of the set and calling to Noddy and Pompey to help in carrying them to the boat, “but as I said before, I think it’s a waste of labor. What do you want it for?�