The monster had dashed against the vessel with such force that a part of the bulwark had been carried away, and the swordfish had been caught in the wire hamper of the rail.
It was certainly the shock given the vessel by the huge fish which had dislocated the dynamo and disarranged the mechanism of the Dart.
As the heavy body of the fish sagged the boat, Barney donned a diving suit, and going out, cut away the incumbrance.
The damage was repaired as much as possible, and then the boat was turned about.
The return course, as nearly as could be guessed, was taken.
The Dart sailed on rapidly. But though miles were passed, not sign of the sunken wreck was seen.
Barney doubled back on his course and sailed for miles. Hours passed and the anxious searchers were unrewarded.
“Massy sakes!” gasped Pomp. “I done fear dat Marse Frank am done fo’ dis time. I jes’ fink he nebber come back no mo’!”
“Begorra, he was a good, kind masther!”
“Dat am so, honey!”