"Victor something," added Gerald.
"Not the Victor Stroggia, by any chance? She's quite a large steamer."
"That's the name," replied Hugh confidently.
"I always heard that Reeves would never let money stand in his way," remarked Mr. Frazer. "There's one thing—he has a sound Concern behind him. Well, if you're going, you had better be off. You have money with you?"
"About ten lire."
"Then take other twenty. You may not require that amount, but it is best to be on the safe side."
Bidding Mr. Frazer goodbye, the lads scampered off. At the quay they had no difficulty in finding a boat, for their appearance was hailed by a chorus of shouts from a score of watermen.
"To the Victor Stroggia, as fast as you can," said Hugh, addressing an old man who seemed less importunate than the rest of his fellows.
"Si, signor."
The lads stepped into the high-prowed craft, and the boatman, turning his back on his youthful fares, stood up as he urged the boat towards the centre of the bay. There were nearly twenty large ships at anchor with steam up, while a fleet of smaller craft, mostly sailing vessels, lay closer inshore.