But the explorers did not pause here long.
They passed through and into the forward cabin. Here was the long mess table, and upon it were dishes and eating utensils, just as the men had been served, which was the last ever eaten on board the ship.
Frank took up one of the plates. In the china was the imperishable mark usually placed upon all ships’ ware with the name:
“Ship Tempest, Baltimore.”
This was all that could be learned of the identity of the vessel or of its mission. Yet it was reasonable to suppose that she was a merchantman.
Little more of interest was found aboard her.
A few skeletons of the members of the crew and some corroded coins. This was all of value.
The party retraced their steps to the deck. Frank was the first to spring up out of the companionway, and as he did so he was given a startling shock.
Until now the wreck had been flooded with a brilliant light from the searchlight of the Dart.
But this was no longer so.