"She was the Nautilus."
Mrs. Ruthven's breast began to heave. "It must be true!" she murmured.
"What must be true, madam?"
"The Nautilus was wrecked on our coast here, not over half a mile from this plantation."
"You are sure of this?"
"I am. The wreck is still on the rocks in the bay."
"And were you living here at the time?"
"I was, and I know all about the wreck, and so does Old Ben, the negro who has the boathouse on the shore."
The wounded officer's interest increased.
"I would like to visit that wreck some time, if it is still intact," he said. "I left some valuable papers in a secret closet. It is possible they are still on board."