"Then why didn't they scuttle her—besides, a new vessel like this is worth more than her insurance."
"Maybe it was her cargo. Perhaps they faked it, rated it away above its value."
"Why she has no cargo, sir. She's riding light as a skiff; I noticed that as I climbed up."
"Then what is your idea?" inquired the American.
Greer glanced around with a trace of uneasiness. "The crew went by the board, sir, I'm thinking."
"Overboard—all washed overboard! Why there isn't one chance in a million of such a thing hap—"
"I didn't say 'washed overboard,' sir," corrected Greer heavily. "I think they got throwed overboard, one by one, sir."
"One by one!" Madden stared at the solemn faced fellow.
Farnol nodded stolidly. "Just so, sir."
"You mean—?"