He was not in his state-room. His bed had not been occupied; no one had seen him since the Ben Nevis parted company with the Chatauqua.
"Are there any boats missing, Mr. Hudson?" continued Somers.
"No, sir; the steamer had two quarter-boats, and a life-boat forward. They are all in their places."
"Wasn't there a dingy, or a jolly-boat, at the stern?"
"No, sir; I am sure that no boat is missing."
"Then of course the prisoner must be on board."
"No doubt of that, Mr. Somers. In my opinion he has concealed himself in the hold, and intends to escape after we go into port."
"But how could he get into the hold?"
"That is more than I know, sir. He isn't in his state-room; he wouldn't have jumped overboard forty miles from land."
"He must be found before we make the capes," said Somers, who could not help thinking how "cheap" he should feel if compelled to report the escape of his prisoner to the department.