"When you tell us what we want to know, we'll answer some of your questions," the elder lad said. "Come on, Andy. Let's have a look at the wrecked motor boat. Maybe we can find some clues there."
"You keep away from that boat!" cried the man savagely. "It's mine. I order you to keep away!" He struggled desperately to get loose, but could not.
"We'll do as we please now," said Frank. "You had your way long enough. We're going to solve this mystery. Come, Andy."
The man glared at them, but he could not help himself. He watched them go toward the boat and muttered threats at them. But the boys were not frightened.
The interior of the motor boat, which once had been an expensive craft, was all confusion. It plainly showed the effects of the fire and explosion, and the battering of the sea. The hull, however, was sound, or it would have sunk.
"What do you suppose is in it that he's been looking for?" asked Andy.
"I don't know," replied Frank. "Gold perhaps, or jewels."
"Maybe valuable papers."
"Perhaps. Well, let's see what we can find."
They poked about in the engine cockpit, looked in all the lockers, and took out some of the broken seats to search under them, but came upon nothing of value. There were many splintered and charred boards, and these they removed, but all to no purpose.