“Incredible!” exclaimed Captain Sparhawk, unable to think of anything else to say at the astounding information.
“But, nevertheless, true. Sparhawk, this message confirms the truth of your theory about ‘Bully’ Broom. That rascal attacked and overcame the unsuspecting crew of the Centurion, and obtained the 'Tear of the Sea’.”
“The infernal scoundrel,” breathed Captain Sparhawk. “There is not another man in the South Seas who would have dared such a coup. But does the message give any clue to your brother’s fate, sir?” he added respectfully.
The millionaire’s face glowed and suddenly lost its careworn look.
“That’s the best part of it,” he explained. “But come to my cabin, captain—yes, Ready, you and Raynor may come, too,” he added as he intercepted anxious looks on the boys’ faces.
Inside the cabin the millionaire spread on the table the yellowed, scribbled bit of paper that just then meant more to him than any document he had ever seen in his life.
“I’ll read aloud,” he said, and then, in a clear voice, he recited the contents of the missive.
“Any one finding this please notify my brother Jacob Jukes of New York, who will reward him lavishly for the trouble. This is being written on board ‘Bully’ Broom’s schooner, South Sea Lass. We are all prisoners and the 'Tear of the Sea’ is in the ruffian’s possession. We are being taken, as I overheard, to Bomobori, in New Guinea, with what object I cannot say. May Heaven help us in our desperate strait. I am throwing this, with a prayer to Heaven that it may be found, from the window of the cabin in which I am confined.
Jerushah Jukes.”
“I know Bomobori well,” exclaimed Captain Sparhawk, as Mr. Jukes finished reading. “I was there in '87 and again in '89.”