The strange craft was of about forty tons displacement, with a considerable amount of sheer and ample beam. Steam was escaping gently through the steam-pipe, while a faint wreath of smoke drifted from her squat funnel.
"Why no lights?" inquired Waynsford.
"Accident, mynheer ver' bad accident," replied the Dutchman apologetically. "See you here."
He led the way for'ard. On the fo'c'sle were two burly fishermen holding the remains of two lanterns.
"Forestay halliard him part," explained the master. "Lights, dey come down wit a run an' broke to pieces.
"Then the sooner you send another pair of lamps aloft the better," remarked Waynsford. "Now let's have a look round below."
The Dutch skipper led the way. Aubyn lingered on the fo'c'sle. His quick eye detected something that his comrade had overlooked. The lanterns had obviously pitched on the deck, but there were no signs of oil being spilled.
At the head of the little companion ladder Waynsford paused to see if Aubyn were following. The Dutchman had already disappeared.
"Where's Mr. Aubyn?" asked the skipper of the "Lonette," addressing his deck-hand.
"For'ard, sir," replied that worthy. "I can just make him out in the dark."