“It was the steward.”
“No,” said the professor. “You can leave him out. He has been with me for years.”
“All the more reason,” returned the captain. “He’ll jolly well stand watching. What we have got to do is to watch out, and perhaps we can trap them.”
“I think—” he added. With a sudden thought he got up and went to the companion way, returning slowly to his seat. “I may have a clue.”
“What is it?” cried Tom.
“It is only an idea, don’t you know, and I won’t say anything until I work it out. You say the chart is aboard?”
“Yes.”
The captain whistled softly for a minute. “Better put it away somewhere.”
“That has already been done,” admitted the professor, looking at the boys. “It is hidden away, and I don’t think anyone can find it.”