Jack Jepson stepped close to the stump of the mainmast. He gave one look at it, and uttered a single word.
"Rotten!" he exclaimed.
"What's that?" cried Captain Brisco sharply.
"Rotten!" repeated the mate. "That mast had dry rot to the very core. Only the varnish held her together."
"What's that to you?" cried the captain in angry tones. "You keep your opinions to yourself! When I want 'em, I'll ask for 'em! Now get below and see if we're taking in any water."
"Very well, sir," was the answer, but Jack gave the captain a queer look.
He found some water coming in, but not more, he thought, than the pumps could take care of, so he reported the matter only to Captain Brisco.
"That's good," the commander said, seemingly well pleased. "I guess they can have their fake shipwreck after all, if the weather clears."
As the day advanced, the storm lulled slightly, but it was still rough. Those of the moving picture company who ventured up on deck went below again with white, scared faces at the sight of the wreckage of the mainmast. For it did look doleful.
"This shipwreck comes pretty near being real," said Mr. Pertell. "If we could only photograph it now, it would make a fine film."