“Here the real murderer was stricken with the plague. Upon his death-bed he made full and absolute confession.
“It was duly written out and witnessed by the American Consul. Armed with this proof of his brother’s innocence, Albert started for home.
“He was happy in the thought that his brother would be vindicated upon his arrival in San Francisco.
“But alas for his hopes. Fate had decreed that the confession should never get there. It was upon his person when devoured by the silver whale.
“Valentine yet lingers in prison; his family are starving. Now you have the whole sad story. I know you are a Christian and a philanthropist, Frank. You will agree with me that we ought to do something to right this great wrong if we can.”
Frank had listened to the thrilling story with the deepest interest.
Now he said in a puzzled way:
“Well and good, George; but how can we do it?”
“Capture the silver whale.”
“Capture the whale! What earthly good will that do?”