"I didn't pay any attention to the name," Matt replied. "I read the message to make sure it wasn't for me, but I didn't read the signature."
"What was the message?"
"It merely gave a position by latitude and longitude with the added words, 'two days ago—no wind and no drift since.'"
The captain showed signs of suppressed excitement.
"What was the latitude and longitude?" he asked. "Can you remember it?"
"No," said Matt. "I knew it did not concern me, so I failed to charge my mind with it."
"It concerned you more than you know. I am positive that Sixty lured you aboard the steamer because he feared you had learned something from the telegram which you could use to his disadvantage. What was your message—the one that Sixty got and read?"
"It was from a man who didn't know our air ship had been wrecked and destroyed. He wanted to buy her, and referred us to you, saying that he knew you."
"My name was mentioned in the telegram?"
"The name of Townsend was mentioned."