“With respect to my superiors, sir, I think I can give ye a trick at the proper course.”
Frank and Randall turned.
“Very well,” said Frank, pleasantly. “We will be glad to hear it.”
“I have a friend—a former shipmate,” said Wendel, “who owns a staunch brig—just such a vessel as can stand the rough winds and the ice. His ship lies in New Bedford harbor now. His name is Captain Isaac Ward, and the name of his ship is the Black Pearl. He would, I think, undertake the voyage without any doubt.”
“Good!” cried Frank, with alacrity. “How soon can we see him, and where?”
“I will wire him now!” said Randall, excitedly. “If we can charter his brig we shall be all right.”
A few moments later, a telegraph message was speeding on its way to New Bedford. An hour later an answer came:
“Frank Reade, Jr.: My brig is in commission and ready for a cruise. I will agree to reasonable terms and will be in Readestown to-morrow.
“Isaac Ward.”