“For Heaven’s sake, mates, don’t blame us—we’re under orders!”
“Jack Mains, mate of the Pearl!” gasped Frank. “What on earth are you doing here?”
“I swear, sir, it is not our fault. Captain’s orders!” declared the Pearl’s mate, as he and his companions came forth.
“Your captain’s orders?” exclaimed Frank. “Where is he?”
“I—can’t say, sir. He went down into that valley. Maybe the water—you can guess.”
The astonishment of all was great.
“And do you mean to tell me,” exclaimed Frank, “that your captain—that Isaac Ward actually followed us hither?”
“I do, sir,” replied Mains, tremblingly.
“Where is the ship?”
“Deserted, sir. For all I know, back in the ice-pack, and not a soul on board.”