“I believe we had better take a steamer, and follow the coast up to Carthagena, where we had the last news of the fleet,” replied Raymond. “When we get there we can ascertain for what port she sailed.”
“Why not go on board of one of the steamers that come down the coast from Barcelona, and inquire of the officers if they have seen the squadron?” suggested Bark, who was always full of suggestions.
“That’s a capital idea!” exclaimed Raymond. “I wonder we did not think of that idea before.”
Then they had to wait a week for a steamer that had come down the coast; but one of the line from Oran had been in port, and they ascertained that the fleet was not in the port of Malaga. Raymond went to the captain of the steamer from Barcelona, and was informed that the squadron was at Carthagena, and had been there for over a month.
“That accounts for it all,” said Raymond, as they returned to the boat in which they had boarded the steamer. “But I can’t imagine why the fleet is staying all this time in the harbor of Carthagena.”
“Perhaps the Prince has broken some of her machinery, and they have stopped to repair damages,” suggested Bark.
“That may be; but they could hardly be a month mending a break. They could build a new engine in that time almost.”
“Well, we know where the fleet is; and the next question is, What are we to do about it?” added Bark, as they landed on the quay.
They returned to the Hotel de Cadiz, where they boarded, and went to their room to consider the situation with the new light just obtained.