“What's the matter?” asked Thoph.
The steersman, who was staring hard in the direction they were going, scowled.
“Humph!” he grunted again. “I swan to man, fellers, I believe she IS abandoned!”
“Rubbish!” panted Bill, twisting his neck to look over his shoulder. “'Course she ain't! Who'd abandon a craft such weather's this, and Province-town harbor only three hours' run or so?”
“When it comes to that,” commented Burgess, “why should they anchor off here, 'stead of takin' her in by the inlet? If there's anybody aboard they ain't showed themselves yet. She might have been leakin', but she don't look it. Sets up out of water pretty well. Well, we'll know in a few minutes. Hit her up, boys!”
The rowers “hit her up” and the dory moved faster. Then Burgess, putting his hand to his mouth, hailed.
“Ship ahoy!” he roared. “Ahoy!”
No reply.
“Ahoy the brig!” bellowed Burgess. “What's the matter aboard there? All hands asleep?”
Still no answer. Thoph and Bill pulled more slowly now. Burgess nodded to them.