“Why, we simply mustn’t,” declared the impatient Hiram.
“Get ready for a start, then. Here, Elmer,” and Dave wrote a few lines on a card. “Take that to the hotel keeper and tell him to give it to Mr. Hull when he shows up.”
“What were you writing?” inquired Hiram, as Elmer darted away on his mission.
“Directions as to how he can wire us and where he can find us later,” replied our hero.
They waited ten minutes after the return of Elmer, but there were no signs of the missing passenger of the Comet. The machine went aloft as if filled with the spirit that infused its crew. They were soon whizzing on their way north.
“Wonder what our queer shipwreck friend will say when he finds us gone?” inquired Hiram.
“He will understand the urgency of the situation, for I explained it in my note,” said Dave. “He has some money with him, I know, and will doubtless make for Washington at once.”
“I say,” broke in Elmer; “what do you fellows think about this boasted treasure of his?”
“I, for one, don’t think anything about it at all,” responded Hiram, bluntly. “He’s either a dreamer or a skeesicks. His not coming back to us looks as if he had served his purpose in getting to safe territory and has abandoned his old keg.”
“I’d like to know what it holds,” said Elmer.