"And that is the reason why you wanted to see all the five-dollar bills I had," added Dory.
"But we had looked over the bills you paid for the boat before," said the detective. "We have been looking for bills with this red stamp upon it since yesterday noon."
"Have you found any?" inquired Dory with interest.
"I found two of them. We have got to the southward of Stave Island now. Can't you tell whether that steamer is in sight now?"
"Yes, sir: there she is, just where we left her this morning," replied the skipper, as he glanced in the direction of the shoal. "I think Pearl Hawlinshed has had a good time there all day."
"How far off is she?" asked Peppers.
"About two miles, but we shall reach her in twenty minutes. Where did you find the two bills with the stamp on them?" asked Dory.
"Can they see us on board of that steamer, Dory?" asked the detective, without heeding the question.
"They can see the boat; but of course they can't tell who is in her two miles off," replied Dory.
"I am afraid I shall have some trouble with Pearl, Dory," said Peppers anxiously. "The landlord was to give you ten dollars if you put me in the same boat with Pearl."