"No," he replied. "What was it?"
"I'll swear I saw something slipped overboard," said Lawless; "but it's so dark I couldn't see what it was even with these glasses. Look here," he added, with unusual gravity, "there's some mischief going on. I'm certain of it."
"Then we'd better have the searchlight on her," replied Trent; and was about to give an order when the Lieutenant stopped him.
"No," he said decisively, "that would only serve to warn them if they are up to any artful dodges."
"They wouldn't have lowered a mine, if that's what you're thinking about, because they know we should alter our course as soon as we saw a disabled steamer ahead."
"No, it was nothing of that sort. It looked more like a sort of cage as far as I could make out."
"Perhaps they're fishing for crabs," suggested Trent with a laugh. For the life of him he could not understand what Lawless was worrying about, since even the best-regulated steamers are apt to break down.
"Look here," said Lawless suddenly, "I'm not going to run the risk of being made a fool of by signalling to the Mars. I'm going to investigate this matter for myself." And, turning to a seaman, he told him to get one of the Berthon boats lowered alongside.
"But if you intend to pull out to her, we shall leave you behind," said Trent. "Besides, what can you do on your own?"
"I shall see," replied Lawless. "As to the rest, if you can't pick me up, I can pull back to the Kite, which by that time will be nearly abreast of me. I know her skipper, and he won't give me away."