as if searching about for a good answer. "You see I didn't know the
fishing captain had seen the derelict. When I got the telegram,
telling me the brig was still afloat, I thought it might be a good
plan to go about among the fishermen, making inquiries."

"And you happened to strike the right one?" asked Jerry.

"I-- that is-- well, I had inquired among several before I met Captain
Deckton of the smack Sea Girl. He saw the derelict. But I'd like to
have a talk with you boys, when you are at liberty," added Mr.
Blowitz, quickly. "I have a proposition to make to you. I think you
will be interested."

"Please put us ashore first, before you talk business," begged Olivia.
"It is long past noon, and I'm afraid my father will be worried about
us."

"We'll land at the dock in ten minutes," said Mr. Blowitz. "I'll talk
to the boys later."

"I wonder what he wants?" thought Jerry. "Something of a favor, I'll
bet. I know his kind."

"Let me take the oars and relieve you," proposed Ned, who saw that the
man was having rather hard work with the boatload of young people.

"Thank you, there's another pair in the stern, if you want to try
them," said Mr. Blowitz, and Ned got them out. They made better time
after that, and were soon at the dock.