Although the binoculars had forewarned them of this, the adventurers bunched together on the deck with a qualmish feeling and began talking in low tones, as men converse in the presence of mystery, or death.
"We'll search her first," directed Madden, in a tone he tried to make natural.
"Yes," agreed Greer, "and, men, keep a sharp eye out for lunatics. Don't let anything jump on you——"
"Lunatics!" gasped Mulcher.
"Greer and I fancied someone scuttled the Minnie B," explained Madden with a frown, "but that's no sign such a person is aboard the Vulcan."
"They are wonderful like, sir," observed Gaskin.
"Anyway we'll look her over."
The men agreed and began scattering away, two by two for companionship. Presently from the port side Hogan raised his voice guardedly.
"Oh, Misther Madden, just stip this way a moment, if you plaze."
The call instantly attracted several other men. They moved across deck. Hogan was pointing. "Jist th' same as th' other wan," he said gloomily and significantly. "We knew it would be this way, sir. It was th' same hand as done it"