“Yes. Help me, somebody!”
John sprang to his assistance and a moment later the two boys dragged the half-drowned negro over the side into the boat.
“Where’s Petersen?” demanded Grant, loosing his hold on Sam and allowing him to sink to the bottom of the boat. “Have you seen him, Pop?”
“No,” said George, “I haven’t. I’ve looked everywhere for him, too.”
Fred had now recovered somewhat from the blow he had received and he joined the others in their search for the missing sailor. The four boys stood up in the boat and peered about them anxiously in every direction.
“Are you sure he didn’t come up, Pop?” asked Grant.
“I told you I’ve been looking for him,” said George. “I haven’t seen him at all.”
“But he must have come up,” protested John.
“Maybe he did,” acknowledged George. “I don’t believe it, though, for I’ve certainly been on the lookout.”
“What shall we do?” demanded John in dismay.