At the time Ike took his prompt action two other boats were making for the inlet. They were just ahead of the boat our hero was on, and when our party reached shore they learned the sad intelligence that both boats had run into the inlet, had been caught, blown over and that seven men and a boy were drowned. Had the boat on which Ike was gone on she too would have gone over, and probably a few more would have been added to the death list.
The men all appreciated the fact and also that they owed their salvation to Ike’s extraordinary and prompt action. And the result was they made up a purse of fifty dollars and presented it to him, and each man gave his card to our hero with an invitation to call on them.
It was after dark when the party went ashore and all hurried to a train for New York. Ike went with them and a little before midnight he appeared at his home.
Mrs. Pell, despite his warning that he might unexpectedly be away for days at a time, was greatly worried and rejoiced when he showed up. She had been waiting for him as she had done on the two preceding nights.
Ike did not see fit to make a full explanation. He merely said he was full of business and on to a big thing.
After reporting as stated he stole forth. He desired to see a newspaper. He knew that something had occurred and he desired to get on to it if he could.
He found a saloon open and secured a paper, and the first item that met his eyes was the startling announcement:
A MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE. A PROMINENT BANKER MISSING.
“Aha! just as I thought,” muttered the lad, and he carefully read the article through. There were interviews and speculations as usual, and also several very dark and peculiar suggestions, and they all emanated from Mr. Fellman, the partner of the missing man. There were suggestions of suicide, escape to Canada, and indeed several very startling theories; and the lad muttered:
“It is just as I thought. I had this thing down pretty well. The chances are Burlein is dead—murdered in cold blood—his body in the river; and all might have been prevented had he only heeded my warning. But we shall see. To-morrow the papers will have more to announce, and I—well I won’t say anything at present, but I’ll act.”