And strangely enough his motives were actuated by a hatred of the British Empire; his deep reluctance to swerve from a resolution once formed, and an overwhelming desire to serve the Fatherland, completely overruled all sense of fair play.
CHAPTER IX
On the Scent
"Thank goodness we are on board at last!" exclaimed Octavius Smith, as the two chums entered the companion-way of the Diomeda. "Those Dutchmen seem the essence of honesty. As far as I can see not a thing is missing."
"Except the papers," added Stirling.
"Of course; but I mean since the yacht was picked up. We'll have an overhaul to make sure."
"Strikes me I am not setting the Thames on fire over this business," remarked Stirling ruefully. "I've sent off three separate reports, but, between you and me, they are not startling enough to merit the expense of sending me out here. I suppose I lack journalistic ability to put the finishing touches to a rather bald account of the accident."
"Conjecture ought to be the journalist's sheet-anchor."
"Unless his theories are contradicted in the next issue, my dear chap. Then there's a breeze. But when do you propose sailing?"
"As soon as we get a fair slant of wind. I've no mind to go plugging against a south-wester for a week on end."