"Now to business," went on Mr. Blowitz, after a pause. "Did I
understand you to say you had hired that large motor boat?"

"We have; for several weeks," answered Jerry, who, by consent of Ned
and Bob, had been elected spokesman.

"And do you think it could go to sea-- say for a couple of weeks?"

"Yes, I think so. But did you think of hiring her from us? Because if
you did I don't believe we can consider it, as we have no authority to
let any one but ourselves run it."

"Oh, no, I was not thinking of running it," declared Mr. Blowitz. "I
wouldn't know how if I wanted to. But I was thinking I might engage
the motor boat and you with it, as a crew, to go on a cruise for me."

"A cruise?"

"Yes, out on the Pacific, but not too far from shore, say not more
than twenty miles."

"What for?" asked Jerry.

"To search for that derelict-- the brig Rockhaven!"

"The Rockhaven!" exclaimed Ned and Bob together.

"Yes, as I told you it has a valuable cargo aboard, and, in addition a
supply of gold, in money, and some important papers."