that makes it important that the search begin at once. I am depending
on you. You will go at once, won't you? Come, I'll increase my offer,"
he said. "I'll pay you two thousand dollars for your time and trouble,
stand all expenses, and, if you find the brig, and tow her in, I'll
give you three thousand dollars. That's a fair offer. Now you can
start to-morrow morning, can't you, boys?"

"I don't know," began Jerry, slowly.

"Isn't that money enough?" and Blowitz seemed much excited.

"Oh, yes, the offer is a very good one. But I think we should consult
with some one-- We--"

"No, there is no need of consulting with any one," interrupted
Blowitz. "I have the papers all made out. We can go before a
notary-public to-night, for it is not late yet, and sign them, and you
can start by to-morrow noon. What do you say? Will you go?"

It was a hard question to decide. The trip was alluring to the boys,
even had there been no prize money connected with it. But there was
something about Blowitz that made them hesitate. His very eagerness to
have them start, almost at once, made them feel there was something
queer back of it all. Still they had undertaken, before this, more
difficult and risky tasks. Why not this one?

"Well, I must have your answer soon," said Blowitz, approaching nearer
to the boat.

"Will you wait just a moment?" asked Jerry. "My chums and I will go in